Retaining product value in a circular economy
To facilitate the transition to a circular economy and reduce plastic pollution, the Government of Canada is exploring ways to encourage remanufacturing and other value-retention processes (VRPs) in Canada. As a starting point, and to support Canada’s comprehensive zero plastic waste agenda, we are developing a roadmap to extend the life of plastics in electronics.
Remanufacturing and other value-retention processes in Canada
In our current economic system, often described as a “linear economy”, resources are extracted and transformed into products that are then disposed of once their useful life has ended. This can lead to an increased reliance on natural resources and an overabundance of waste, which not only represents a lost economic opportunity but can also negatively impact our livelihoods, communities, and the environment.
A circular economy shifts away from this linear “take-make-dispose” approach by prioritizing waste reduction and recovering waste/end-of-life products to reintroduce them into the supply chain to make new resources. This creates “loops” in the circulation of materials and products in the economy, which helps prevent waste generation.
Remanufacturing and other VRPs (including refurbishment, repair and reuse) are key activities of a circular economy. They help maintain a product in service or extend its life beyond its expected service life, while preserving its inherent value. This helps to increase both economic and environmental sustainability and resilience.

Long description
The infographic, titled “Value-retention processes: Service Life – Linear economy vs circular economy”, depicts the different types of value-retention processes (VRPs).
As part of the linear economy:
- Products are typically used following a “take-make-dispose” approach
- At the end of its use, the product is disposed of and/or recycled. This sometimes happens before the product can reach the end of its expected service life.
As part of the circular economy:
- Value-retention processes help products reach the end of their expected life or extend it beyond what is expected.
- A product can be reused: at the end of its use, the product goes to another user so it can reach the end of its expected service life.
- A product can be repaired: at the end of its use, the product is repaired so it can reach the end of its expected service life.
- A product can be refurbished: at the end of its use, the product’s functionality is restored to partially renew or extend its service life. This can be done several times.
- A product can be remanufactured: at the end of its use, the product is restored/improved to match/exceed its original condition and performance through a standardized industrial process. This gives products a full new service life and maximizes product value-retention. This can be done several times.
Increasing remanufacturing and other VRPs in Canada can help reduce the adverse environmental impacts of products (e.g. plastic and other waste, greenhouse gas emissions, resource extraction, etc.), while also generating significant socio-economic benefits for Canadians and businesses.
Advancing towards a roadmap to extend the life of plastics in end-of-use electronics
Over the past few years, we have implemented several initiatives to support a transition to a more circular economy. In particular, we have developed a comprehensive and circular economy approach to meet Canada's goal of zero plastic waste by 2030 and to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment. We are taking actions across the lifecycle of plastics to reduce waste and pollution, and improve how we make, use, and manage plastics to increase their value recovery and to tackle plastic pollution.
As part of this agenda and the implementation of the Canada-wide strategy and action plan on zero plastic waste, the Government is developing a roadmap to extend the life of plastics in end-of-use electronics.
As a first step, a socio-economic and environmental study on remanufacturing and other VRPs in Canada was published in 2021. The study examined the opportunities and challenges of developing VRPs in Canada. More details are available in the full study and its executive summary.
Based on the study's findings and stakeholder feedback a Consultation document on a proposed roadmap to was developed. This document highlights precursory elements that could help to lay the groundwork towards more sustainable management of electronic products in Canada.
The objective of the roadmap would be to inform Canada's zero plastic waste goal and would seek to extend the life of plastics in electronics in order to reduce the quantity of plastics sent to recycling facilities and landfills. To do so, ECCC proposes to focus on three priority action areas, namely: data collection, collaboration and innovation.

Long description
The infographic depicts the three priority action areas on which the proposed roadmap would focus:
- Data collection: To close the gaps on plastic retention in the electronics sector
- Collaboration: To engage with sector to develop/ promote best practices and targets
- Innovation: To support a circular economy approach to drive innovation
Comments received during the consultation period will help inform the development of a final approach.
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts:
- Comments on the Consultation document for the proposed roadmap to extend the life of plastics in end-of-use electronics are accepted until February 14, 2025.
Past consultations:
- Comments on the socio-economic and environmental study on remanufacturing and other VRPs in Canada were accepted until August 30, 2021.
Related links
- Remanufacturing: giving products multiple new lives
- Towards a circular economy: value-retention processes
- Towards zero plastic waste
- Canada-wide strategy and action plan on Zero Plastic Waste
- Circular Economy
- Managing and reducing waste
Contact information
Chemical Production and Products Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd
Gatineau QC K1A OH3
Tel: 1-888-391-3426 (toll free) or 819-938-4483
Email: Produits-Products@ec.gc.ca
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