A winning strategy

Our commitment to preserving the planet’s resources didn’t start yesterday. It began in 2019 with the launch of our 500+ Commitment, which enabled us to expand our offering with hundreds of packaging solutions featuring environmental attributes. This initiative also helped raise awareness and better inform our clients about options that can help reduce their environmental impact.

 

Since then, several initiatives have been launched and a structured sustainability strategy has been developed. 

It is built around three key pillars:

  1. Reducing the impact of our operations through an action plan covering 11 major themes
  2. Raising awareness within our organization through a mandatory training program
  3. Engaging the packaging industry by creating the Eco-Innov Centre and launching circular initiatives such as the Carrou-Cycle program

In 2025, this strategy was recognized with a Mercuriades award in the Sustainable Development and Circular Economy category (RECYC-QUÉBEC SME).

Certification Écoresponsable

A certified eco-responsible commitment

In the fall of 2023, Carrousel obtained the ECO-RESPONSIBLE™ Certification – Level 1: Commitment.

To achieve this, we developed an Eco-Responsibility Charter outlining our commitments and guiding principles for integrating sustainability into our business model.

The Eco-Innov Centre

Created by Carrousel, the Eco-Innov Centre is a space for reflection, knowledge-sharing and action dedicated to responsible packaging. Its mission is to better equip the industry through education, awareness and collaboration, encouraging more informed decisions and the adoption of practices better aligned with real-world conditions.

Supplier Code of Conduct

Because our commitment extends beyond our internal operations, Carrousel adopted its first Supplier Code of Conduct in January 2024. This document clearly outlines our expectations for sustainable and responsible business practices across our supply chain.

 

It applies to all partners, subcontractors and stakeholders providing products and services to Carrousel, particularly in food and industrial packaging, janitorial products and personal protective equipment.

 

Ce Code s’adresse à l’ensemble de nos partenaires, sous-traitants et intervenants qui offrent des produits et services à Carrousel, notamment dans les secteurs de l’emballage alimentaire et industriel, des produits sanitaires et des produits de protection individuelle.

Carrou-Cycle: giving stretch film a second life

Each year, millions of pounds of stretch film are used by businesses across Quebec. Much of this material is still sent to landfill, making it a significant environmental issue. As the leading independent packaging distributor in Quebec and across Canada, Carrousel is proud to have developed an innovative, eco-responsible solution that diverts this material from landfill and gives new life to the waste generated by stretch film.

Carrousel has partnered with its long-time business partner, Polykar, a plastic bag manufacturer, to launch its new recycling program for stretch film: Carrou-Cycle.

Learn mor about Carrou-cycle

Electrification of our delivery fleet

Reducing our environmental footprint also means rethinking how we deliver our solutions. Since 2024, we have been gradually electrifying our fleet.

Today, several electric vehicles are already operating across the Greater Montreal area, including a fully electric tractor and multiple 26-foot trucks. Additional units will be added progressively.

This transition comes with challenges—range, route planning, charging infrastructure—but is being implemented thoughtfully, based on operational realities and performance.

Responsible water management at Carfabel

At our paper bag manufacturing facility, Carfabel, we implemented a complete water management system in partnership with Epuro Canada, including:

  • A wash water treatment system removing 99.9% of contaminants
  • A rainwater recovery system reused in our facilities

Results to date:

  • 37.71 m³ of wastewater treated
  • 28.23 m³ of rainwater recovered
  • 24/7 autonomous operation
  • Installation completed with no downtime

We are currently exploring ways to recover or recycle treatment by-products as part of our circular approach.

20L and 60L container reuse program

As part of a circular economy approach, Carrousel has implemented a reuse program for 20L and 60L containers. 

On average, each container is reused 24 times before being recycled, significantly extending its lifespan.

Our employees take action

We believe collective action is essential to creating meaningful impact. Each year, we organize initiatives focused on biodiversity protection, bringing together employees and expert partners.

Examples include reforestation projects and shoreline cleanups that contribute directly to ecosystem preservation and community engagement.

October 2025 – Reforestation

Partner: Nature Action Québec
 
Location: Parc des étangs Antoine-Charlebois, Sainte-Julie
 
As part of the enhancement project for the Antoine-Charlebois ponds, our teams contributed to the planting of 400 plants to help curb the spread of common reed, an invasive species threatening this 64-hectare ecosystem. This initiative strengthens the protection of a natural environment that is home to several threatened species, including the least bittern (a heron species classified as vulnerable in Quebec), and supports conservation efforts led by the City of Sainte-Julie for over ten years.

October 2024 – Reforestation

Partner: Nature Action Québec
 
Location: Mont Rougemont
 
Our colleagues took part in a reforestation day aimed at restoring forest connectivity between Mont Rougemont and the surrounding woodlands. Despite the rocky and challenging terrain, participation was outstanding: 525 native trees were planted, making a tangible contribution to restoring biodiversity in this emblematic Montérégie region.

May 2023 – Shoreline Cleanup

Partner: Organisation bleue
 
Location: Parc des Voiles, Boucherville
 
This cleanup activity resulted in the collection of 688 kg of waste along the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Beyond the numbers, the day left a lasting impression on participants and reinforced the importance of raising public awareness about protecting this essential natural environment, home to fragile and valuable wildlife. Protecting the river means protecting our shared heritage. Every action matters: without water, there is no life.