Eco-design incentive bonus

• Bonus application form
• Supporting documents for the ecodesigned containers or packaging claimed
• Sales reports or other documents confirming the quantities placed on the market
• A detailed working file of the company’s declaration identifying the containers and packaging covered by the request, if requested

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.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Printed matter, such as retail flyers, magazines, and general-use paper.
• Materials not currently subject to a fee, such as B2B packaging.
• Materials subject to a malus under the 2024 Schedule of Contributions, including PVC, PLA, and other degradable plastics.
• Materials with no recycling stream, such as ceramic and porcelain.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec.

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.

• Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
  • Verify your company meets all eligibility criteria, including being compliant with ÉEQ and having placed one or more ecodesigned containers or packaging on the market during the relevant year.
• Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
  • Compile necessary supporting documents, such as sales reports or other documentation that validates the quantities of containers and packaging placed on the market.
  • Prepare a detailed company report highlighting the containers and packaging for the bonus application.
• Step 3: Complete Bonus Application Form
  • Download and fill out the ecodesign incentive bonus application form.
  • Ensure all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly.
• Step 4: Submit Application
  • Email the completed application form and supporting documents to bonusecoconception@eeq.ca within the submission period.
  • Make sure to submit by the deadline to avoid your application being rejected.
• Step 5: Respond to Additional Requests
  • Respond promptly to any additional requests for documentation or information from ÉEQ within 30 days.
• Step 6: Await a Decision
  • ÉEQ will analyze the application and determine eligibility for the bonus credits.
  • Receive notification of the decision and calculation of any eligible bonus credits.

• ÉEQ reviews the application and assesses the company’s eligibility.
• Additional supporting documentation may be requested, and it must be provided within 30 days.
• The submitted ecodesign initiatives and supporting documents are then analyzed and the quantities declared are validated.
• Eligible bonuses are calculated and validated, and the initiatives that received a bonus are confirmed.
• Approved companies receive a credit note, and the results and good ecodesign practices are published.

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.