The Golden Design
Rules for Plastics
Packaging

Guidance and global standards for Canadian companies to adjust their packaging design and contribute to a circular economy for plastics packaging

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ABOUT THE GOLDEN DESIGN RULES

The Golden Design Rules for Plastic Packaging were developed by The Consumer Goods Forum’s (CGF) Plastic Waste Coalition of Action.

These voluntary, independent, and time-bound commitments outline specific design changes, aligned with globally recognized technical guidelines and the targets laid out in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s (EMF) New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.
One reason why plastic packaging ends up in nature is because of the complexity of the recycling process, which can be complicated by poor packaging design, the inclusion of problematic materials and the presence of excess packaging.

 

The Golden Design Rules aim to change how packaging is designed in the first place to keep it in the economy and out of the environment. The nine Golden Design Rules provide a clear framework that aims to drive innovation and scalable actions that will result in less plastic packaging overall and easier to recycle plastic packaging by 2025.

HOW THE GOLDEN DESIGN RULES WERE DEVELOPED

In Canada, the implementation of the Golden Design Rules nationally is being led by the Canada Plastics Pact (CPP) which is part of the EMF’s Global Plastics Pact Network.

THE GOLDEN DESIGN RULES FOR PLASTICS PACKAGING

The nine Golden Design Rules provide a clear framework that aims to drive innovation and scalable actions that will result in less plastics packaging overall and easier to recycle plastics packaging by 2025.

Please note that the information provided here is a general overview of the GDRs. For more detailed guidance and to learn more about the Canadian Guidance, please refer to our available resources.

Bottle
GDR 1: Increase Value in PET Recycling
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GDR 2: Remove Problematic Elements from Packaging
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GDR 3: Eliminate Excess Headspace
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GDR 4: Reduce Plastic Overwraps
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GDR 5: Increase Recycling Value for PET Thermoformed Trays and Other PET Thermoformed Packaging
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GDR 6: Increase Recycling Value in Flexible Consumer Packaging
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GDR 7: Increase Recycling Value in Rigid HDPE and PP
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GDR 8: Reduce Virgin Plastic Use in Business-to-Business Plastic Packaging
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GDR 9: Use On-Pack Recycling Instructions
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START YOUR COMPANY’S GDR JOURNEY

Resources, templates, guidance and webinars to help you implement the Golden Design Rules for your business.

Golden Design Rules Summary Document

Summary document of all the Golden Design Rules, produced by the Consumer Goods Forum.

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599 KB

Golden Design Rule Fact Pack

A comprehensive guide to the Consumer Goods Forum's Plastic Waste Coalition of Action (PWCoA) Golden Design Rules.

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3 MB

GDR Canadian Guidance

Version 1 of the Golden Design Rules Canadian Guidance, produced by the CPP.

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1 MB

Introduction to the Golden Design Rules

A Canada Plastics Pact Knowledge Series event from September 2021 introducing the GDRs.

EDUCATIONAL AND ADVISORY PARTNERS

Need additional support in implementing the Golden Design Rules for your company’s specific plastic packaging portfolio? Connect with PAC Global for courses or to connect with one-on-one resources.

PAC Global

In 1950, PAC Global was formed as the Packaging Association of Canada to foster a community where companies from across the value chain could safely come together to collaborate, innovate, and educate.

Website: https://www.pac.global

COMPANIES SUPPORTING THE GOLDEN DESIGN RULES

The following companies are engaged in supporting and implementing a packaging design program in alignment with the Golden Design Rules, where they are currently feasible or applicable for their company’s packaging portfolio.

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