This glossary provides definitions of the concepts and terms you need to know to complete your inventory and correctly classify your materials.
Read it over before you start filling out your report.
CPP sold as products
CPP stands for “containers, packaging, and printed paper.” CPP materials sold as products are purchased by consumers to contain, package, or protect other products or, in the case of printed paper, to write or print text or images.
Here are a few examples:
- Containers and packaging sold as products: aluminum foil, paper plates, resealable sandwich bags
- Printed paper sold as products: notepads, printing paper, greeting cards
Deductions for packaging taken back on delivery (furniture)
Companies that deliver goods and bring the packaging back to their premises can deduct this packaging* from the generated material quantities in their report. This packaging is not left with the ultimate consumer.
*The methodology used to calculate this deduction must be specified in the “Methodology” section of the reporting portal.
Primary packaging
Primary packaging contains the product being sold and comes into direct contact with the product. For example, the primary packaging for toothpaste is the tube.
Secondary packaging
This is a second level of packaging. Using the same example as above, the secondary packaging for toothpaste is the box that contains the tube. For products sold by unit, this type of packaging is mainly used to provide consumers with product information.
Secondary packaging can also be used to group multiple products into a single unit for purchase. The plastic film that wraps three units of toothpaste together, for instance, is considered secondary packaging. All such packaging must be reported if sold to consumers.
Tertiary packaging
This is the third level of packaging, i.e., materials used for shipping and handling, such as crates, cardboard dividers, shrink wrap to secure products on a pallet.
Exclusion of CPPs meant for industrial, commercial, and institutional use
Containers, packaging, and printed paper meant for industrial, commercial, and institutional use are excluded from the calculation of the producer’s financial contribution and do not have to be reported.
*Changes to come in 2025.
Exclusion for shipping packaging
Containers and other packaging designed to facilitate the shipping and handling of multiple sales units or grouped packages, and which are not left with consumers, are excluded from the contribution calculation. They do not need to be reported.
Long-life packaging exclusion (5 years)
Long-life packaging or container are designed to accompany, protect, or store products throughout their lifetime, such as puzzle and game boxes* and the cases used to store certain tools.
*Note: If the box is wrapped in plastic, this packaging must be reported.
Exemption for containers and packaging covered by another extended producer responsibility program
Containers, packaging, or printed paper already covered by a deposit system recognized by law in Quebec, or by any other recovery and reclamation program based on the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR) [Maillage vers la page du site qui explique la REP], are not subject to a contribution payment. However, any container or packaging that accompanies these products must be reported, e.g., the cardboard box that holds returnable bottles.
Visit the Consignaction website for more information.
Brand
Generally speaking, a brand is used to help a product or service stand out. Trademarks are a common example.
Name
The name under which the business operates, whether it is a corporation, a partnership, or an individual.
Distinguishing guise
This is a company or organization’s distinctive way of wrapping or packaging its products to make them easily recognizable.
Indirect sales
Indirect sales refer to any products that are shipped to a retailer’s distribution centre located outside Quebec (e.g., in Ontario) and are eventually sent back to Quebec for resale by the retailer in its stores located in the province.