[Prince Albert - April 4, 2022] - Lake Country Co-op is excited to share we have joined the Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), together with Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) and over 160 local Co-ops across Western Canada.

The Canada Plastics Pact focuses on bringing businesses, government and other key players together to create a circular economy for plastics in which plastic stays in the economy and out of the environment. The CPP has set clear, actionable targets for 2025:

• Take measures to eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging.
• 100% of plastic packaging is designed to be reusable, recyclable or compostable.
• 50% of plastic packaging is effectively recycled or composted.
• 30% recycled content across all plastic packaging

Joining the CPP means Lake Country Co-op is committed to achieving these targets.

“We are committed to ensuring the sustainability of our communities for generations to come.  Signing this Pact signals our commitment to reducing our use of plastic packaging materials and doing our part to protect the environment,” explained Tim Keller, CEO of Lake Country Co-op.

While this partnership may be new, the goal of reducing plastic waste at Lake Country Co-op has been happening for some time in all our 19 communities. These changes have included encouraging the use of paper bags, reusable bags and totes, actively participating in plastic recycling programs and promoting the sale of private label canned beverages that no longer include plastic rings.

“Successfully tackling plastic pollution isn’t something one individual or organization can do on their own. It will take collaboration. Together with FCL, we are excited to work with the Canada Plastics Pact and their members to find environmentally friendly alternatives to the packaging we currently use” shared Tim Keller.

Customers can continue to expect change to in-store packaging as we work to address these challenges and build sustainable communities together.

About Lake Country Co-op

Lake Country Co-op has served its members and customers for the last 81 years. Today, Lake Country Co-op has more than 1005 employees that serve over 51,000 members in 19 communities throughout North Central Saskatchewan. Giving back to our communities is a proud tradition at Lake Country Co-op. In 2021, Lake Country Co-op donated over $550,000 to various organizations, teams and events, and supported its members with more than $16.5 million in patronage refunds.