{"id":22778,"date":"2025-12-30T18:05:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T23:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/?page_id=22778"},"modified":"2026-03-18T10:50:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T14:50:34","slug":"membershipmodel","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/fr\/membershipmodel\/","title":{"rendered":"Mod\u00e8le d'adh\u00e9sion des producteurs"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Overview<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Circular Materials was founded by producers in 2021 as a not-for-profit producer responsibility organization (PRO) to support emerging extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations in Ontario. Its founding Board of Directors is composed of 17 Directors who represent the member companies that provided the initial funding for Circular Materials.<\/p>

Post inception, the organization continued to evolve in response to emerging EPR regulations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and the Yukon.\u00a0 Reflecting this broader geographic reach and a focus on delivering against future needs that align with the organization\u2019s purpose and strategy, Circular Materials\u2019 Board of Directors recommended changing to a broad-based Membership Model, where Circular Materials\u2019 subscribing producers have an opportunity to become voting Members. To ensure the highest standards in governance, Circular Materials engaged Watson Advisors Inc., recognized experts in this field, to support the development of the Membership Model criteria and voting structure.<\/p>

Prior to finalizing the model, it was important that we understood and captured producers\u2019 feedback. In support of this, Circular Materials conducted a 30-day consultation from June 17, 2025 \u2013 July 18, 2025, to gather feedback on the proposed Membership Model.\u00a0All feedback was considered and consolidated into a What We Heard report,\u00a0which can be found\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

We are pleased to share that the final Membership Model was approved by the Circular Materials Board of Directors and Members in 2025, with an effective implementation date of January 5, 2026.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Apply to Become a Member of Circular Materials<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Circular Materials\u2019 subscribing producers can now apply to become a member of the organization.\u00a0 Prior to submitting an application, we encourage all applicants to review the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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  1. Membership Model: <\/strong>Review the Membership Model infographic<\/a>, which outlines the guiding principles, Members\u2019 Code of Conduct, rights and responsibilities, eligibility criteria, and voting tiers.<\/li>
  2. Complete Application: <\/strong>Complete the online membership application (see button below).<\/li>
  3. Application Review:<\/strong> Circular Materials will review each application to confirm eligibility. Applicants can expect to hear from us within 2-3 weeks of submission.<\/li>
  4. Approval & Communication: <\/strong>Approved applicants will receive a Membership Agreement to execute along with, a welcome letter. Voting tiers, based on validated supply data, will be shared confidentially with each Member prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). In addition, Approved Members will also receive an invitation to the 2026 AGM.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    Applications may be submitted throughout the year; however, only those received by March 27, 2026<\/strong> will be eligible to participate and vote in the 2026 AGM, scheduled for May 27, 2026<\/strong>. Membership tier confirmations will be issued by April 30, 2026<\/strong>, providing Members with clarity on their voting rights in advance of the AGM.<\/p>\n

    As an organization that has been created by producers, for producers, Circular Materials is committed to continuous improvement and meeting the evolving member needs and growth of its producer community.   If you have any questions, please reach out to us at CMNational@circularmaterials.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tApply Here<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    \n \n Why is Circular Materials introducing a broader-based Membership Model?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    Circular Materials has evolved its membership model to ensure producers have a meaningful role in governance as the organization expands nationally. The new model is aligned with our commitment to continuous improvement and ensures we meet evolving member needs and growth of our producer community.\u00a0 This broader-based membership model will strengthen transparency, representation, and producer participation as EPR regulations grow across multiple Canadian jurisdictions.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n What are the benefits of becoming a Member?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    Members will have various rights at Circular Materials’ Annual General Meeting<\/span>, including, for example, voting rights on Director appointments, auditor appointments, and acceptance of financial statements and auditors report, plus the right to make proposals or request member meetings. Membership provides producers with a direct voice in the organization\u2019s governance and long-term strategy.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n Do I need to designate Circular Materials as my producer responsibility organization (PRO) in all Canadian jurisdictions to qualify for membership?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    Yes. Eligible members must designate Circular Materials as their PRO in every Canadian jurisdiction where they are obligated. This requirement protects commercially sensitive information, particularly in Ontario\u2019s multi-PRO environment, and ensures confidentiality and fairness for all members.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n Are there membership fees?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    No. There are no fees associated with becoming a member.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n If I\u2019m a producer, do I need to become a Member? Is membership mandatory?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    No. Membership is voluntary through the noted application and review process. Producers can continue to work with Circular Materials for compliance services even if they choose not to become members.\u00a0 Producers will continue to have a voice and engage as they do today on EPR developments, fees, operations, and other regulatory requirements through Circular Materials Producer Working Group webinars.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n What level of time commitment is required from Members?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    Time commitments are minimal. Members are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting and to review meeting materials in advance. Additional meetings may also occur only if required.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n Is a Member the Authorized Voting Representative for a producer organization? Who should be appointed?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    Yes, the member is the Authorized Voting Representative and the individual formally appointed by the producer organization to act as its membership representative and to vote on its behalf. The selection of this representative is at the sole discretion of the producer organization. Producers are encouraged to review the benefits and responsibilities of membership to inform this decision. If a producer has a representative serving on the Circular Materials Board of Directors and is also applying for membership, the organization may choose to appoint the same individual for efficiency, but this is not mandatory and remains entirely at the producer\u2019s discretion.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n Can a producer organization change its Authorized Voting Representative during its membership term?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    Yes. A producer organization may request a change to its Authorized Voting Representative at any time by contacting CMNational@circularmaterials.ca<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n Are all Directors on the Circular Materials Board also Members?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    No. The Board of Directors is comprised of both Producer Directors, who represent producer organizations, and Independent Directors, who are not eligible for membership. A Producer Director may also be appointed by their organization as the Member and Authorized Voting Representative.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n How does the tiered voting structure work?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    Voting tiers are based on each producer\u2019s previous year\u2019s supply data. This approach aligns voting influence with supply volumes, which strongly correlate with financial contribution.\u00a0 Producers can request a confidential tier assessment upon approval of their application by contacting CMNational@circularmaterials.ca<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n Will my tier change over time?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    Yes. Tier placement can fluctuate year-to-year based on updated supply data submitted to Circular Materials in the jurisdictions where the producer is obligated. All Members will receive formal communication confirming their tier placement in advance of each Annual General Meeting, regardless of whether their tier has changed from the previous year.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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    \n \n What happens if my application is not successful?<\/span> <\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n\n
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    Unsuccessful applicants will receive a letter outlining the reasons for the decision and will be invited to discuss directly with Circular Materials to better understand the eligibility requirements.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Join Circular Materials<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind out how Circular Materials can support you to meet your extended producer responsibility obligations in Ontario, New Brunswick or Alberta.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJoin us<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Overview Circular Materials was founded by producers in 2021 as a not-for-profit producer responsibility organization (PRO) to support emerging extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations in Ontario. Its founding Board of Directors is composed of 17 Directors who represent the member companies that provided the initial funding for Circular Materials. Post inception, the organization continued to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-22778","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22778","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22778"}],"version-history":[{"count":91,"href":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22778\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27430,"href":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22778\/revisions\/27430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.circularmaterials.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}