Retail Sustainability
Excellence Awards
Introducing the Retail Sustainability Excellence Awards
Canada’s retail industry is redefining what it means to operate responsibly. The Retail Sustainability Excellence Awards recognize the organizations leading that charge: those driving measurable impact, building credible programs, and proving that sustainable retail is scalable retail.
Presented by the Retail Council of Canada, this awards program elevates best-in-class sustainability initiatives across retailers, brand owners, and the broader supply chain. Aligned with the core themes of the RCC Retail Sustainability Conference, categories span circular economy, EPR performance, data and transparency, and decarbonization — the issues shaping the future of Canadian retail.
Why Enter the Retail Sustainability Excellence Awards
Set the benchmark
Compete alongside Canada’s most credible retail sustainability programs. With submissions across 10 categories, you’ll see exactly where you stand and what best-in-class looks like.
Ten categories, real scope
From circular packaging and take-back programs to decarbonization and supply chain impact, these categories cover the full sustainability value chain.
Judged by industry leaders
An expert jury of retail and sustainability professionals evaluates every submission — scoring for credibility, scalability, and demonstrable impact.
Celebrate your team's work
Give your team the recognition they’ve earned and the proof point that their efforts are driving real change.
Industry-wide visibility
Winners are featured across RCC communications, trade publications, and the Retail Sustainability Conference — putting your program in front of the decision-makers and stakeholders that matter.
Raise the bar for the sector
Every strong submission helps move the needle for retail in Canada. By participating, you’re contributing to a higher standard and showing that sustainability and commercial success go together.
Important Dates
July 3, 2026
Submission Deadline
July 2026
Judging Period
August 2026
Finalists Announced
Oct. 27, 2026
Winners Announced at Awards Luncheon
Benefits of the Retail Sustainability Excellence Awards
- Objective, expert evaluation and a level playing field. Organizations of all sizes are evaluated on the strength of their results by a jury of retail and sustainability professionals against clear criteria for credibility, scalability, and measurable impact.
- National recognition and third-party validation. Demonstrate to consumers, partners, investors, and regulators that your sustainability program delivers. Use it internally, externally, and in your ESG reporting.
- Mark the moment. Beyond the award itself, winners and finalists are invited to an awards luncheon that celebrates the best of Canadian retail sustainability and opens the door to meaningful industry connections.
Questions? Contact us at events@retailcouncil.org
Ceremony Format
Awards are presented during a 2-hour lunch.
Eligible Applicants & Definitions
The program is open to organizations operating in North America. Global programs may apply where they can demonstrate meaningful North American implementation and results, or a defined North American rollout with early outcomes. Submissions must be led by an organization eligible for the category. Entries may include implementation partners (e.g., manufacturers, packaging suppliers, logistics/service providers, recyclers, NGOs, technology vendors); partners may be recognized but may not submit independently unless explicitly stated.
- Retailers: includes, but not limited to, grocery, pharmacy, general merchandise, specialty, apparel/footwear, electronics, home improvement, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and e-commerce/omnichannel retailers.
- Brand owner: the organization that owns the product brand and controls product and/or packaging specifications and related sustainability claims, covering national brands and retailer-owned private label brands, regardless of whether products are sold through third-party retailers, wholesale, or the brand’s own stores/e-commerce.
- PRO / system operator: An organization responsible for operating or administering an EPR or stewardship program on behalf of obligated producers (e.g., a Producer Responsibility Organization or stewardship agency).
- Partners: Entries may include implementation partners (e.g., manufacturers, packaging suppliers, logistics/service providers, recyclers, NGOs, technology vendors). Partners may be recognized as part of the entry but may not submit independently unless explicitly stated.
Evidence & Integrity
Submissions must be supported by clear evidence. RCC may request additional documentation (including third-party validation where relevant) for shortlisted entries and may disqualify submissions where material claims cannot be substantiated.
Judging
Submissions are scored by an independent judging panel against the category criteria (demonstrated or expected impact, credibility of evidence, and scalability).
Winners
Unless otherwise noted, each category will have one winner. Where entries are materially different (e.g., retailer-led vs brand), RCC may award up to two winners in a category based on submission volume and quality.
Award Discretion
Categories are awarded based on the quality and volume of submissions. RCC reserves the right to withhold an award in any category if a suitable standard is not met.