Cleanfarms talks agribusiness plastics recycling in Canada

Cleanfarms, an Etobicoke, Ontario-based nonprofit group that focuses on sustainability-related agriculture initiatives, will host a panel discussion April 26 titled “Creating a Circular Economy for Agricultural Plastics in Canada.”

The discussion is held in coordination with Canada’s Plastic Action Zone effort, taking place alongside the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) aimed at developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

A leading topic of discussion at the INC-4 gathering in Ottawa April 23-29 is the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty.

“We’re dedicated to fostering innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges of plastic pollution within the agricultural sector," Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen says regarding the organization’s mission.

Friesen will moderate a panel discussion April 26 that will feature four panelists involved in shaping the role of plastics in Canadian agriculture and in achieving sustainable outcomes for the material.

The panel will address the industry’s commitment to establishing a circular economy for agricultural plastics in Canada, which needs to be “supported by effective policies from both industry and government sectors.”

Later that day, Friesen also will contribute to a panel discussion hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. As well, the Cleanfarms organization has been invited to participate in “Circularity in Action: Solutions for Change”, an event hosted by the Singapore-based Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW).