Green food packaging company Cambium, in partnership with La vague, an organisation focused on the eco-responsible transition of cafés and restaurants, is set to introduce a new line of reusable containers.
The launch coincides with the ongoing Quebec Waste Reduction Week, which runs from 21 to 27 October.
Fully designed and manufactured in Quebec, Canada, the containers are both reusable and customisable.
They are intended to facilitate the adoption of reusable products in the country’s food sector.
Cambium innovation director Annie Legroulx said: “With the financial support of RECYC-QUÉBEC, we have designed containers with unique characteristics so that they become the reference in Quebec. In both supermarkets and small cafés, standardisation is essential to enable the widespread adoption of reusable solutions. Thanks to our collaboration with La vague, our vision is already taking shape.”
La vague is also introducing ‘La boite 2.0’ with the support of the Government of Canada-funded Chantier de l’économie sociale.
This scheme operates on a deposit system similar to ‘La tasse’, which is already used in more than 450 businesses throughout Quebec.
Via the system, customers pay a deposit for a container and receive a refund upon returning it to any participating business. The returned containers are then cleaned and recirculated.
La vague co-founder Aurore Courtieux-Boinot said: “The throwaway culture is no longer viable if we want a strong and resilient food industry. By joining forces, we are responding to the unique needs of businesses. We are very proud of this collaboration, which allows for the reduction of waste at the source.”
The introduction of these containers comes as global regulations against single-use items are tightened and both consumers and retailers seek out eco-friendly alternatives.
RECYC-QUÉBEC reports that annually, 45,000 tonnes (t) of single-use products are discarded into landfills in Quebec.
The new range from Cambium and La vague provides an opportunity for consumers in the province to reduce their generated waste significantly.
