2.4 min read

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2.4 min read

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As of April 1, 2025, Alberta officially transitioned to a province-wide Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.

Many of you are now experiencing the real impact of this shift—and the feedback we are receiving is significant.

 

What This Means for Your Business

EPR transfers the cost of residential recycling from municipalities to producers—the companies placing packaged goods into the market.

While the intent is to improve recycling outcomes, the current implementation is creating substantial cost and operational pressure for food and beverage manufacturers across Alberta.

 

What We Are Hearing from Industry

AFPA members are reporting:

  • Annual EPR invoices approaching $250,000 for small businesses
  • Increases exceeding 200% year-over-year
  • Growing concern around:
    • Delayed capital investment
    • Hiring impacts and workforce decisions
    • Long-term viability of certain product lines

In addition, some companies operating nationally are encountering potential “double charging”, where they are:

  • Charged by retailers
  • AND required to pay into provincial EPR systems
  • Even when fully compliant and self-reporting

We are also hearing concerns that producers are increasingly being asked to absorb system-wide costs historically managed by municipalities, without any corresponding reduction in municipal taxation.

 

Why Food Processors Are Disproportionately Impacted

Your sector faces unique constraints:

  • Packaging is required for food safety and shelf life
  • Limited viable alternatives exist today
  • High SKU counts create complex and time-consuming reporting requirements

These costs are not isolated—they are being passed through the supply chain and contributing to higher food prices for consumers.

 

AFPA Action Underway

AFPA has formally requested meetings with the Government of Alberta while the system is still being operationalized.

We are engaging with:

  • Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
  • Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
  • Minister of Treasury Board and Finance
  • Minister of Service Alberta & Red Tape Reduction
  • Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

Our focus is clear:

  • Address cost escalation
  • Reduce administrative burden
  • Prevent duplicative charging
  • Ensure the system reflects food industry realities

 

We Need Your Data (Critical)

To effectively represent industry, we need real, Alberta-based evidence.

Please share:

  1. EPR Cost Impact
  • Current invoices (redacted is fine)
  • Comparison to previous costs
  1. Business Impact
  • Delayed investments
  • Hiring changes or layoffs
  • Product or market decisions
  1. Operational Burden
  • Time/resources required for reporting
  • Challenges with data collection

📩 Please send to: bianca@afpa.com

All information will be kept strictly confidential and used only in aggregate.

 

New: Advocacy & Government Relations Committee

AFPA has expanded its advocacy efforts through our new Advocacy & Government Relations Committee, focused on ensuring your voice is represented at the provincial level.

If your company is interested in:

  • Direct policy influence
  • Deeper engagement on issues like EPR
  • Stronger representation in government discussions

We encourage you to connect with us.

 

Final Thought

Alberta’s EPR system is implemented—but still being refined.

This is the moment to ensure it works for:

  • Industry
  • Consumers
  • The long-term competitiveness of Alberta food production

Your input will directly shape this work.

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