What We Do
Reuse-Refill Canada is an Ontario-based initiative that’s working towards normalizing the adoption of reuse and refill systems and goods throughout the country.
Our mission and approach are inspired by hundreds of conversations with reuse-refill entrepreneurs, governments, associations, and industry insiders about what was needed in Canada to increase the adoption of reusable packaging. While eager to reduce waste and help turn Canada’s economy green, businesses of all sizes feel as if they don’t have the knowledge or support to scale their reuse-refill efforts economically. Start-ups, community groups, and boutique retailers have been able to successfully engage their communities and lay the foundation for a changing reuse-refill landscape. However, they need better access to tools, consumer education, and data to grow responsibly.
On the other hand, large-scale adoption requires packaging standardization, reverse logistics, and washing-sorting facilities across Canada – infrastructure that does not exist today. Moving our take-make-waste linear system to a circular system where waste reduction and resource recovery are prioritized is a big undertaking.
Recognizing the challenges involved, Reuse Refill Canada is focused on increasing consumer and industry participation in the reuse refill economy. We aim to achieve this by developing tools and sharing knowledge that can decrease the barriers and highlight the far-reaching benefits of a circular economy.
Incubating Partner
Scout Environmental is a not-for-profit organization focused on engaging Canadians in sustainable actions that improve individual, community and ecosystem health.
Founded in 2000, their pioneering return-to-retail recycling programs encouraged Canadians to exchange old lawnmowers, air conditioners and electronics for cleaner alternatives through a variety of retail channels. As a result, the environmental organization became the first to forge national public-private partnerships between retailers, manufacturers, and government on various environmental issues.
Scout Environmental has since expanded from developing product exchange initiatives to crafting marketing and outreach strategies that influence consumer behaviors and incentivize change.
Advisory Board
Andy Chou
CEO, Drink Fill
CEO, Soap Stand
British Columbia
Aurore Courtieux-Boinot
Circular economy advocate
Cofounder of La Vague
Quebec
Kieran Alkerton
Founder, Crisper
Ontario
Elizabeth McDonald
Board Member, Scout Environmental Advocacy Expert
Ontario
