Thinking Green: How Canadian Businesses Are Embracing Sustainability

Sustainability is at the forefront of business strategies across Canada. According to the latest data from the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, over two-thirds (68.4%) of Canadian businesses or organizations had at least one environmental or green practice in place by the third quarter of 2023.

Reducing Waste: The Most Common Green Practice

The most widely adopted environmental initiative was reducing waste, reported by nearly half (48.8%) of all businesses. However, environmental practices varied significantly by industry:

• Accommodation and food services (63.3%) and retail trade (61.1%) were the most likely to focus on waste reduction.
• Real estate and rental and leasing (29.8%) and transportation and warehousing (30.5%) had lower adoption rates.
• Interestingly, 9.6% of transportation and warehousing businesses implemented a zero-waste practice—more than double the national average (4.4%).
• Manufacturing businesses led the way in resource efficiency, with 32.4% using recycled or waste materials and 48.6% actively reducing energy or water consumption.

Canadians Value Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a growing priority for Canadian consumers and businesses alike:

• 8 in 10 Canadians value a sustainable lifestyle.
• 65% believe they have a moral obligation to use environmentally friendly products.
• 6 in 10 consider climate change their top concern.

Leading Brands with Sustainable Solutions

We at McConnell-Spadafora Inc are proud to represent companies at  the forefront of environmental responsibility and change. Here are some notable brands championing sustainable practices:

Safeblend 

• Safeblend is committed to safer technologies that produce high-performance cleaning solutions while minimizing environmental impact. Their EcoLogo-certified products ensure a cleaner, healthier place to work or live, and all Safeblend 4L and 950 mL bottles are made of at least 25% recycled materials

Pyramex: New Sustainable Products!
Pyramex is redefining safety with eco-conscious innovations, featuring the NEW Sustainable Ever-Lite eyewear!

• Eco-Conscious Design: 90% bio-based polycarbonate reduces CO2 emissions by 33.7%.
• Sustainable Packaging: Ever-Lite safety glasses are packaged in recyclable materials, contributing to a circular economy.
• Long-Term Impact: Customers choosing Sustainable Ever-Lite safety glasses prioritize both safety and sustainability.

Eco II: EcoLogo Garbage Bags

• Made from 100% recycled resin, one of the most eco-friendly garbage bags available.
• EcoLogo Certified, ensuring top-tier environmental responsibility.
• Uses high-quality recycled materials for superior durability.

ProTeam
ProTeam backpack vacuums meet LEED v4.1 green cleaning requirements, helping organizations maintain sustainability goals while ensuring high-performance cleaning solutions.

NPS Holdings
NPS offers multiple 100% eco-friendly recycled towel and tissue product lines, including So Green and Retain, ensuring businesses have sustainable options.

Helly Hansen Workwear
Helly Hansen Workwear focuses on designing durable products that last through generations, reducing waste and lowering environmental impact. The brand actively researches new ways to contribute to a circular economy.
Fiskars
Fiskars Group achieved a Platinum-level sustainability rating from EcoVadis in 2024, placing them in the top 1% of assessed companies. Their commitment to sustainable procurement, ethical practices, and environmental responsibility sets a high industry standard.
Chapin
Chapin is committed to sustainability, ensuring safe material handling, compliance with regulations, and environmental awareness among employees. They prioritize pollution prevention, resource conservation, and continuous improvement through ISO 14001:2015 certification.
A Greener Future for Business
With sustainability becoming a defining factor for Canadian businesses, it’s encouraging to see companies integrating green solutions into their operations. By prioritizing waste reduction, sustainable products, and responsible sourcing, businesses are playing a vital role in creating a cleaner, greener future.
As more companies adopt these practices, the positive impact on the environment and the economy will continue to grow.
Sources
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/4538-cleaner-greener-economic-environment
https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/consumer-trends-and-behaviours/canadian-environmental-sustainability-shopping-habits