Eco-design incentive bonus

The Eco-design incentive bonus offers various financing modalities to encourage eco-friendly packaging initiatives. These modalities are designed to support companies making impactful changes to their product designs.

• The bonus percentage can be up to a maximum of 50% of the payable contribution for designated containers and packaging.
• A maximum of $25,000 can be granted per bonus application.
• A company can submit more than one application for a bonus and be granted up to a maximum of $60,000.
• A minimum bonus of $5,000 per company or equal to the company’s total contribution (if less than $5,000) can be granted if the bonus request is deemed eligible by ÉEQ.
• Eligible companies will receive the bonus as a credit note applicable to the contribution balance of a subsequent year.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by the company's compliance with ÉEQ's standards and the implementation of ecodesign actions during the specified timeframe.

• The company must be a contributing company compliant with ÉEQ, having submitted its report and paid its contribution to the 2024 Schedule of Contributions in full within the given timeframe.
• The company must complete a detailed report, even if it is considered a low-volume producer.
• The company must have placed on the market one or more ecodesigned containers or packaging during the 2023 calendar year.
• The company must have submitted the bonus application form and supporting documents within the prescribed time limits.
• The company must commit to collaborating with ÉEQ to document the initiative and give consent for the publication of a communication item.

Who is eligible?

The Ecodesign incentive bonus specifically evaluates projects based on their commitment to improving packaging through sustainable practices. Eligible projects must demonstrate a commitment to advancing ecodesign principles within the packaging industry.

• Implementation of recognized ecodesign approaches for packaging placed on the market in the reference year.
• Active participation in documenting ecodesign strategies, challenges, and potential solutions.
• Demonstration of environmental, social, and economic benefits through ecodesign initiatives.
• Development of a detailed report, even for low-volume producers, outlining the improvements made in packaging ecodesign.
• Commitment to collaborate with ÉEQ for documentation and consent to publish a communication item.

Who is not eligible

The Ecodesign incentive bonus program focuses on encouraging sustainability in packaging, and as such, excludes certain types of materials from eligibility. While the program is broadly inclusive for companies contributing to ÉEQ, certain material categories are specifically not supported.

• Printed matter, such as retail flyers, magazines, and paper for general use.
• Materials currently not subject to a fee, including B2B packaging.
• Materials subject to a malus, such as PVC, PLA, and other degradable plastics.
• Materials without a recycling stream, such as ceramic and porcelain.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports ecodesign initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability in packaging and containers. Eligible actions are recognized for improving recyclability, increasing the use of recycled content, and supporting local manufacturing among others.

• Reduction in the weight of packaging or containers to minimize resource use.
• Integration of recycled content into new products, promoting a circular economy.
• Designing for reuse, such as refillable containers, to extend product life and reduce waste.
• Elimination or substitution of problematic materials lacking recycling streams.
• Local manufacturing to reduce carbon footprint associated with transportation.
• Improved recyclability potential of packaging by eliminating disruptive materials.
• Providing sorting instructions to facilitate proper recycling processes.
• Environmental labeling to inform and educate consumers about sustainable practices.
• Implementation of case studies to document and share ecodesign strategies and outcomes.
• Self-declared environmental claims that promote transparency and consumer awareness.

Yes, the ecodesign incentive bonus has specific evaluation and selection criteria that companies must meet to be eligible. Here are the criteria:

• Submit the bonus application form along with supporting documents within the prescribed time limits.
• Ensure the company is a contributing company compliant with ÉEQ by having submitted its report and paid its contribution to the 2024 Schedule of Contributions in full within the given timeframe.
• Complete a detailed report, even if the company is considered a low-volume producer.
• Have placed on the market one or more ecodesigned containers or packaging during the 2023 calendar year.
• Commit to collaborating with ÉEQ to document the initiative and give consent for publication of a communication item.
• Submit sales reports or other supporting documentation to validate the quantities of containers and packaging placed on the market and reported during the 2022 calendar year.
• Materials categories such as printed matter, materials not subject to a fee, materials under a malus (PVC, PLA, and other degradable plastics), and materials with no recycling stream are not eligible.

The ÉEQ ecodesign incentive bonus has undergone several improvements since its inception, focusing on promoting sustainable packaging. Companies participating are required to meet specific eligibility criteria and follow a structured process with clear deadlines.

• The pilot project has been renewed for a fourth year.
• The submission period for the 2024 Schedule of Contributions is now closed.
• The project aims to document environmental gains and share successful initiatives.
• There is a malus of 20% for materials that disrupt recycling processes such as PVC, PLA, and other degradable plastics.
• A maximum of $25,000 can be granted per bonus application, with a maximum of $60,000 per company.
• Eligible companies will receive the bonus as a credit note applicable to future contribution balances.
• Companies must submit reports detailing their packaging quantities and provide supporting documentation.
• The project involves several phases, including submission, review, evaluation, calculation, and issuance of credits.
• The deadline for the review of applicants is October 18, 2024.
• Results will be published before the 2025 Schedule of Contributions enters into force.