Millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans every year, and since Canada announced its plans to ban single-use plastics by 2021, many have wondered how and when the commercial landscape would react. This week, we saw some major steps taken by industry powerhouses that lead us to believe the tide is starting to change.
Coke and Pepsi recently cut ties with the Plastics Industry Association, stating the move will lead toward an increase in the amount of recycled plastic (away from throwaway plastics) used in their products. Sobeys grocery chain is also hopping onboard the no-plastic movement, announcing that they plan to remove all plastic bags from their 225 locations across Canada. Perhaps the three companies should speak with NIKU Farms, which recently introduced Canada’s first Green Cell Foam insulated packaging to the market.
In Vancouver, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid a visit to one of the city’s most popular gay bars to celebrate Pride season. We’ll refrain from weighing in on the current state of the Canadian political climate, but we will say it’s great to see the country come together to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality.
Here are six stories you might have missed in food news this week.
Coke and Pepsi to end partnership with Plastics Industry Association
In an attempt to increase the amount of recycled plastic used in their products (as opposed to throwaway plastics), Coke and Pepsi have both cut ties with the Plastics Industry Association. Both companies have stated that the association did not align with their plans for the future and that joining in the first place was likely a mistake. Pepsi added that they plan to sell their Aquafina-brand water in aluminum cans at U.S. fast food and restaurant chains as soon as next year.
Find out more at CNN.
Sobeys announces plan to remove all plastic bags
Earlier this week, Sobeys announced that it plans to remove all plastic bags from its 255 locations across Canada by the end of next year. Sobeys’ CEO says the grocery chain plans to continue to make changes in order to reduce its ecological footprint. Sobeys claims the new initiative will remove roughly 225 million plastic grocery bags from circulation every year.
Get the full breakdown at Global News.
Justin Trudeau makes surprise visit to Vancouver gay bar
Vancouver’s The Fountainhead Pub is one of the city’s original and most celebrated gay pubs, and earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the Vancouver landmark to celebrate Pride season. Trudeau mingled and took photos with Fountainhead patrons, appearing in multiple social media feeds throughout the day.
Head to Dished for more on the Prime Minister’s surprise appearance.
Air Canada hires chef Antonio Park to revamp in-flight menu
Award-winning Montreal chef Antonio Park was recently hired by Air Canada to improve its in-flight menu on trips to Asia and South America. The first new food options were introduced on August 1, featuring tamari maple syrup-braised short ribs, shiitake mushrooms, braised daikon, potatoes, mixed onions, and ginger.
Find the full story at CTV News.
NIKU Farms introduces sustainable Green Cell Foam packaging to Canada
NIKU Farms is the first meat company to bring Green Cell Foam insulated packaging to Canada for its farm-to-door meat delivery subscription service. Manufacturing Green Cell Foam reportedly requires 70 per cent less energy and produces 80 per cent fewer greenhouse gases than petroleum-based foams. The new technology is likely to catch on quickly, as Canada looks to ban single-use plastics by 2021.
Find out more at Food in Canada.
Parkdale’s Sun Fa restaurant emphasizes community over profit
Despite the majority of Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood succumbing to gentrification, Sun Fa bar owner Sandy Ye says she has no plans to change how she runs her business. Sun Fa is currently one of the only businesses in the Parkdale area that is accessible to people with low incomes, and Ye believes her community is all the better for it.
Read more about Ye's unique story at The Star.
