Eco-Smart Canada!

Canadian consumers have enthusiastically embraced the ethos of greener living providing environmentally aware Australian companies a unique opportunity in the Canadian market.

Due to the outstanding success of the event across Canada in June 2008, Discover Australia – Eco Smart Showcase highlighted Australian eco-friendly products which brought about strong Canadian interest.

Austrade's Canada-based Business Development Manager Fareeda Chand, said they are now inviting interest from Australian companies with environmentally-friendly consumer products to become an integral part of the expansion of this progressive market.

The “green” market is growing rapidly but there is much room for growth – the opportunity exists now for environmentaly-friendly products. Some of the world's largest retailers such as Home Depot and Wall-Mart have taken a lead role in eco-friendly products – and the rest will follow.

Canadian consumers are becoming aware of the types of ingredients that are in the products they purchase and the side effects they can have one their health as well as the environment.

Organic/natural body care products as well as 'green' household goods are no longer considered as niche products in Canada, but have now become staples in mainstream markets.   

Given the choice, consumers will choose earth-friendly clothing made from materials such as organic cotton and products produced without the use of harmful pesticides that pollute waterways.

According to a POLLARA survey, 88% of Canadians would spend more for consumer electronics that were energy efficient, less wasteful, or made of recycled materials; and 96% stated they prefer products that can be recycled or which are manufactured using environmetnally concious processes.

According to The New York Times, the ‘eco’ sector is “the biggest market you have never heard of.”  The right time is now, the market is ready.

Austrde Canada will be promoting to importers, distributors, brokers and retailers using an e-catalogue, and a hardcopy catalogue. This will be an expansion of the current environmentally friendly catalogue which featured 14 Australian companies during our Eco-Smart Showcases in June 2008.

To learn more about the Canadian market for environmentaly-friendly products and to find out information about featuring your company and products in the Eco-Resource Guide contact:-

Fareeda Chand
Business Development Manager
Austrade Toronto
Email: fareeda.chand@austrade.gov.au