#HEJSupport is part of a group of NGOs calling upon Canada to regulate chemicals of concern in plastics ahead of INC-5.
A letter on behalf of 11 NGOs was sent to Canadian officials seeking action on toxic chemicals in plastic ahead of the Global Plastic Treaty INC-5 to be held in Bussan at the end of November, 2024.
To demonstrate its commitment to addressing plastic pollution, Canada should announce a regulatory package on chemicals in plastics before the fifth session of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations (INC-5). This would help build momentum by regulating toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). Public support is high, with over 80% of Canadians backing federal action on plastics, including harmful additives like PFAS. Product testing in Canada has found significant risks from chemicals such as phthalates and flame retardants in plastic products.
Ahead of INC-5, Canada should finalize or close loopholes in regulations banning toxic substances in plastics like DEHP, BPA, heavy metals, PFAS, and certain flame retardants. By June 2025, a final Priority Plan should prioritize chemicals like phthalates, bisphenols, and flame retardants for risk management. Further action is required to assess and regulate other hazardous chemicals used in plastics, including formaldehyde, styrene, and naphthalene.
The government should also finalize a Plastics Chemicals Strategy by fall 2025, regulating additional CEPA-toxic substances and ensuring full transparency and disclosure of toxic additives throughout the plastics lifecycle to prevent regrettable substitutions.