Écoemballage+ Stream 1 : Business support
QC, Canada
Subsidy for ecodesign projects for recyclable food packaging and containers in Quebec.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 01, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
- Fonds d'action Québécois pour le développement durable
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Écoemballage+ program in Quebec offers financial support for projects aiming to design eco-friendly packaging and containers for food and beverages, considering recycling facilities' capabilities and Quebec recyclers' needs. The grant supports projects with a maximum of $50,000 per project and up to 75% of eligible expenses. Eligible activities include eco-designing existing packaging ranges or developing new packaging for products, ensuring recyclability.
grant_single_labels|projects
Ecodesign must concern only two types of packaging (primary or secondary) and include consumables.
The project must target :
- A range of existing packaging or containers;
- A range of packaging or containers for a new product.
To be eligible, the project must include these 3 elements:
- A diagnosis, study or analysis (if not already carried out)
- Concrete recommendations by one or more external consultants or in-house specialists, to enable the applicant to make an informed eco design decision for the development of a range of packaging or containers in terms of recyclability
- An action plan or implementation plan for the new concept recommended or suggested.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$15,000
Ottawa
Redesigning primary packaging for a local honey producer to be fully recyclable
$26,250
Vancouver
Ecodesign of sustainable packaging for handmade soap products by a social enterprise
$18,750
Quebec City
Redesigning eco-friendly packaging for a line of herbal teas
$33,750
Calgary
Designing fully recyclable packaging for a new line of sports drinks
$22,500
Montreal
Developing recyclable beverage containers for a new line of organic juices
$30,000
Toronto
Creating recyclable secondary packaging for a range of frozen food products
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- Legally incorporated for-profit company
- Member of a designated extended producer responsibility management organization
- Presence of at least one commercial establishment or branch in Quebec
- Food processing with packaging developed in Quebec
- Products marketed mainly in the province of Quebec
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for this grant include:
- Food processing companies;
- Companies using subcontractors for food processing, including private label holders;
- Companies with central kitchens.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- Nonprofit organizations;
- Start-up businesses that have not marketed any product at the time of application;
- Sole proprietorships, that is, businesses owned by a single individual who is often referred to as a self-employed or independent worker;
- Professional associations;
- Trade unions;
- Public and private foundations as defined by the Income Tax Act of Canada;
- Trusts;
- Private institutions of primary, secondary, and post-secondary education;
- Any business majority-owned by a municipal entity or a state-owned corporation (majority shareholder);
- Any business under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act;
- Any business listed on the Register of Businesses Not Eligible for Public Contracts at the following link: https://www.amp.quebec//rena/;
- Any business that, in the two years prior to the request for financial aid, has failed to meet its obligations after being duly served a notice by the Minister in connection with the granting of previous financial aid;
- Any business involved in the processing of the following products: Animal feed, nutraceuticals, natural health products as defined by the Natural Health Products Regulations (SOR/2003-196). Products identified by a Drug Identification Number (DIN) are not considered, within this program, as food, just as products containing cannabis and energy drinks are not.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Diagnostic, study, or analysis
- Recommendations by external consultants or internal specialists
- Implementation plan for the recommended eco-design solutions
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are companies that have at least one commercial establishment or branch located in Quebec and that primarily market their products in the province of Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria are as follows:
- Admissibility of the project based on the type of packaging design and recyclability.
- Clear demonstration of eco-design principles and feasibility.
- Alignment with the program's objectives and guidelines.
- Evidence of collaboration with relevant experts or consultants.
- Demonstration of how the project will contribute to sustainable packaging practices.
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Consult the Applicant's Guide - Volet 1 for eligibility criteria and the documents required for your application.
Step 2: Send the document Réalisation d’une soumission to the expert, and ask them to provide the submission to be included in the financial assistance application form.
Step 3: For companies that have been marketing products for three (3) years or less, provide the business plan, including a proforma budget, and the last year's financial statements for companies that have been in business for more than one year.
Step 4: In the case of complementary financing, include letters of confirmation of financing with confirmation of the private or public source of funding.
Step 5: Complete the online application form, making sure to include all required documents.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Terms and conditions
Applications may be submitted at any time up to December 1, 2025, or until the application envelope is exhausted. The deadline for submitting the final report to the FAQDD is February 1, 2026.
grant_single_labels|contact
ecoemballage@faqdd.qc.ca
(418) 692-5888
Apply to this program
Grant Summary
The Écoemballage+ Grant (Volet 1) offers financial support for companies aiming to develop eco-designed packaging and containers, with funding up to $50,000 per project, covering 75% of eligible expenses. It targets food processing businesses, private label owners, and central kitchen operators in Quebec, focusing on creating recyclable packaging solutions that meet recycling and conditioning requirements.
Detailed Explanation of Écoemballage+ Grant (Volet 1)
Introduction
The Écoemballage+ Grant, under its first module "Volet 1 – Soutien aux entreprises," is a financial support initiative by the Quebec government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food of Quebec (MAPAQ). The program is designed to encourage businesses in the food processing sector to adopt more sustainable practices by focusing on the eco-design of their packaging and containers. This initiative aims to assist companies in creating recyclable packaging solutions that can be efficiently processed by Quebec's recycling centers and meet the needs of local recyclers and conditioners.
Eligibility and Target Audience
The grant is tailored for several specific types of businesses within the food industry:
- Food processing companies
- Companies that use co-packers or subcontract their food processing activities, including private label owners
- Businesses with central kitchens
To qualify for the grant, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Be a for-profit entity legally constituted, registered with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar, and incorporated under a law of the Government of Quebec or Canada
- Be a member of a designated management organization (OGD) related to extended producer responsibility (REP) under the Regulation respecting the recovery and reclamation of products by businesses
- Have at least one commercial establishment or branch located in Quebec
- Conduct food processing activities in Quebec for packaging developed within the province
- Primarily market their products within Quebec
Scope of the Grant
The grant focuses on supporting the eco-design of two types of packaging – primary and secondary – and their consumables. The project can target the creation of a new packaging solution for existing products or a new product line. It must encompass three essential components:
- An audit, study, or analysis if it hasn't been conducted already
- Concrete recommendations from either external consultants or qualified internal specialists
- A detailed action or implementation plan for the proposed eco-design solution
Funding Details
The program offers considerable financial support with a maximum aid of $50,000 per project, covering up to 75% of eligible expenses. This financial aid is intended to help businesses absorb the costs associated with the eco-design process, which may include consultation fees, research and development expenses, and implementation costs.
Project Duration and Reporting
Projects must be completed by January 1, 2026, or earlier. Upon project completion, documentation proving the execution of the project must be submitted within 60 days, or by February 1, 2026 at the latest. Early planning and efficient execution are therefore crucial to meet these deadlines.
Application Process
The application process is designed to be thorough, ensuring that businesses provide all necessary documentation for a comprehensive review. Here are the steps to apply:
Step 1: Consult the Applicant Guide
The Guide du demandeur – Volet 1 provides detailed information about the eligibility criteria and the required documents. It is imperative to read this guide carefully before proceeding with the application. Notably, businesses must consult an external expert before filling out the application, unless a qualified internal specialist is available.
Step 2: Obtain a Quote
If an external expert is involved, they must provide a quote that includes all necessary details. This quote is a critical component of the application and must be submitted along with it.
Step 3: Prepare Additional Documents
For companies that have been commercializing products for three years or less, additional documentation such as a business plan, including a proforma budget, and financial statements for the last year (for businesses operating for over a year) are required.
Step 4: Include Confirmation of Complementary Funding
If the project involves complementary financing, it is necessary to include confirmation letters for any loans or grants, detailing the sources of private or public funding.
Step 5: Submit the Application
The final step is to complete the financial aid application form. Applicants must ensure all required documents are included, as outlined in section 5.10 of the Applicant Guide. The form can be saved and completed at a later time, with a temporary access link provided via email for up to 28 days. The application is officially submitted only when the “Submit” button is clicked.
Conclusion
The Écoemballage+ Grant (Volet 1) represents a significant opportunity for food processing companies in Quebec to transition towards more sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions. By providing up to $50,000 per project and covering 75% of eligible expenses, the grant alleviates the financial burden of adopting eco-friendly practices. Interested businesses should act promptly and meticulously follow the application process to take full advantage of this program, ensuring their projects align with the eco-design objectives and recycling capabilities outlined by the Quebec government and MAPAQ.
