Éco Entreprises Québec launches its all-new packaging ecodesign tools for company managers

An online ecodesign kit and custom training have been added to the toolbox to encourage the integration of ecodesign in business processes

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 14, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Éco Entreprises Québec is launching two more innovative initiatives: A packaging optimization kit and a custom training program for managers who wish to integrate container, packaging and printed matter (CP&PM) ecodesign into their business practices. Complementary to the OptimEco.ca portal launched in 2013, which garnered 1^st prize for Innovation in the the Novae Corporate Citizenship competition, the new kit and training will provide companies with decision-making tools for selecting packaging.

"The packaging sector is going through profound change. As companies are financially responsible for the end-of-life management of the CP&PM they put on the market, they have a vested interest in improving the curbside recycling system that receives and processes these materials," said Maryse Vermette, President and CEO of Éco Entreprises Québec. "Such environmental considerations as choosing more recyclable materials and reducing overpackaging can be used as strategic leverage to generate economic and reputational benefits for companies who take concrete action."

Ecodesign – A profitable choice
Given the increasing regulatory pressures as well as economic, environmental and social acceptability challenges companies face, they will be well served with the OptimEco kit. It introduces a simple and well-rounded approach to jump start an ecodesign initiative within existing business processes and provides information on the benefits the company stands to reap. In fact, an Institut de développement de produits study found that ecodesign is a cost-effective approach to increasing profit margins by as much as 12% compared to conventional packaged products. What's more, reducing the amount of raw materials used and lowering energy and water consumption not only produce direct savings for the company, they also have an effect all along the procurement chain. The kit suggests practical strategies for mobilizing teams and business partners and presents concrete and inspiring examples according to sector of activity. The kit also debunks common myths and misconceptions about ecodesign.

The OptimEco kit was developed thanks to cooperation and expertise provided by Quantis and the Institut de développement de produits, as well as financial support from RECYC-QUÉBEC. Free of charge, it is intended for companies of all sizes operating in Quebec.

Custom training to integrate ecodesign in business strategy
On November 25, 2014, Éco Entreprises Québec will introduce a training program intended for its contributing companies and organizations as well as packaging manufacturers and concerned partners. Yet another offshoot of the OptimEco.ca portal, the one-day training course will provide companies with tools for implementing a packaging optimization or ecodesign initiative and the knowledge they need to encourage their suppliers to make better packaging choices. This group training will hone participants' skills and includes a tour of a sorting centre. Following that training, a half-day's personalized coaching session on company premises will be offered to each participant in order to facilitate hands-on application to a concrete project.

For more information or to register for training, go to www.ecoentreprises.qc.ca/ecoconception.

Also see the executive summary: www.optimeco.ca/trousse/assets/pdf/EEQ_sommaire_optimeco.pdf.

About Éco Entreprises Québec
Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) is the organization that develops the Schedule of Contributions and collects company contributions, which are then redistributed to finance municipal curbside recycling services in Quebec. ÉEQ also encourages innovation and best practices in order to optimize the recyclable materials value chain. To do so, ÉEQ cooperates, on the one hand, with companies to reduce quantities of materials at the source and encourage the use of recyclable materials, as well as with municipalities to increase recycling and the economic value of recovered materials. ÉEQ is a private non-profit organization created by companies that put containers, packaging and printed matter on Quebec's market. The organization was accredited by RECYC-QUÉBEC in 2005 under the Environment Quality Act. 

SOURCE: Eco Entreprises Québec

For further information: Source: Virginie Bussières, Communications Director, Éco Entreprises Québec; Information and requests for interviews: Jade Lavallée Labossière, Hill + Knowlton Strategies, 514-375-2730, [e-mail]