Government data
2countries characterized
Map the systems
We searched US and Canadian government databases to characterize each national recycling system.
Case Study · Regulatory Assessment
Validating recyclability claims across the US and Canada.
A major player in health and hygiene supplies wanted to know whether it could call its packaging recyclable under rules in the United States and Canada. We studied recycling access and rates across both countries, and gave the client a clear basis for its claims.
The Client
The client is a major player in the health and hygiene supply space, looking to cut its carbon footprint by using sustainable packaging. It wanted to know whether it could claim its packaging was recyclable under the rules in Canada and the United States.
The Challenge
Know the rules.
Back up the claim.
Prescouter was asked to characterize recycling processes in each region where the client sells, compiling data on collection availability and recycling rates for packaging in the United States and Canada.
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Access
Collection for recycling
Where packaging can actually be collected for recycling.
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Rates
Recycling rates
How much packaging is recycled in each region.
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Rules
Labeling requirements
What it takes to call packaging recyclable.
Our Approach
Building the evidence through public data, outreach, and expert review.
Stewardship outreach
Outreachstewardship organizations
Fill the gaps
We reached out to stewardship organizations across the region for data not found in public sources.
Expert review
Expertrecycling specialist
Validate the data
A recycling expert validated the data and added a wider North American view.
The Outcome
Labeling rules that can back up a recyclable claim.
Prescouter identified the requirements for labeling packaging as recyclable in Canada and the United States, which the client could use to back up recyclability claims for some of its packaging. Exemplary states and provinces were characterized as regional representatives where data allowed.
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Requirements
What recyclable means
Labeling requirements in both countries.
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Evidence
Data to support claims
Collection and recycling data by region.
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Regions
Representative states and provinces
A regional view where national data falls short.
Calling packaging recyclable is a legal claim, not a slogan. The data behind it has to hold up region by region.
Let’s Talk
Can your packaging claims stand up to scrutiny?
Understand the recycling rules and data behind your sustainability claims in every market you sell in. Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you get there.
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