Guided by the concept of a circular economy, seven national Enactus teams stepped up to create innovative solutions for reducing landfill waste and pollution across the country. Paper Trail, an eco-friendly option for fire bricks, secured Okanagan College, the 2025 National Title for the Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge.
Announced as the winner on May 7, during Enactus Canada’s annual three-day National Exposition, Paper Trail uses unrecyclable books and bees wax to create an eco-friendly option for fire bricks. Partnering with their school and local businesses, Enactus students have created a unique upcycling opportunity and are now selling their product at 20 Co-Op Store locations in the Okanagan Valley. The team was awarded $3,000 in funding to advance its project.
“A heartfelt congratulations to our 2025 National Champion, Okanagan College, and all participants in this year’s Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge,” said Susan O’Brien, EVP and Chief Transformation Officer, Canadian Tire Corporation. “We continue to be inspired by the innovative ideas and creative solutions presented by Canada students and commend their dedication to make life in Canada better for all.
The Canadian Tire Environmental Sustainability Challenge supports teams in developing projects that tackle climate change through the concept of circularity — in which resources and products are designed to be reused, repaired, and recycled to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency throughout their lifecycle — while teaching others to do the same.
The event also included the announcement of runners-up.
Saint Mary’s University, Runner-Up: Square Roots and EmerAlt, Saint Mary’s University: Square Roots rescues cosmetically imperfect but edible produce from farmers, selling it at a 56% discount at 11 community locations. They recently hit a major milestone, diverting one million pounds of produce from waste. EmerAlt uses surplus potatoes to create a food-safe bioplastic alternative for single-use plastic cutlery.
University of Prince Edward Island, Second Runner-up: Spuds to Suds transforms unsellable potatoes into eco-friendly soap. For every bar sold, one is donated to a local food bank. Sustainability meets community impact!
“Canadian Tire Corporation’s support has been instrumental in empowering Enactus teams to drive impactful environmental sustainability initiatives across Canada. We are grateful for their partnership and commitment to fostering innovative solutions that build stronger, greener communities,” said Brittany Johnston, Director of Partnerships at Enactus Canada.
A group of respected judges selected the National Champion and seven finalists from the 37 teams participating in three regional competition rounds. The Regional and National Champions received a total of $27,000 in funding for their sustainability projects.
Learn more about other National Expositions results and Challenge Partnerships.