Momentum Continues Following the 2026 OARA Convention and Trade Show

With the 2026 OARA Convention now in the rearview mirror, the conversations, relationships, and initiatives that emerged from the event continue to gain momentum. The roundtable discussions held prior to the official opening of the convention brought together automotive recyclers, insurers, and industry stakeholders for meaningful discussions about the future of recycled OEM parts utilization and the evolving role of professional automotive recyclers.

Those discussions provided OARA with both a strong mandate from its membership and a clear direction moving forward. One of the key outcomes was the formation of an industry working group focused on maintaining regular dialogue between recyclers and insurers. The objective is simple: better understand the challenges facing both industries and work collaboratively toward practical solutions that increase the utilization of quality recycled OEM parts while supporting consumers, repairers, and insurers alike.

Coming Together

One of the highlights of this year’s convention was the opportunity to bring together a wide range of industry associations and stakeholders. Collaboration has always been a cornerstone of both OARA and the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC), and this year’s event reinforced the value of working together toward common goals.

Representatives from the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries (CARI), the Ontario Tire Dealers Association (OTDA), the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), the Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada (AARO), and the Used Car Dealers Association (UCDA) joined recyclers and suppliers for discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing our respective industries.

These conversations are already helping to build stronger relationships and create a coalition that can provide a more unified voice when engaging government, regulators, and industry partners. As our industries continue to evolve, collaboration will be essential to ensuring practical, effective solutions are developed for the benefit of businesses and consumers alike.

The 2026 OARA Convention was our largest and most well-attended event to date, demonstrating the growing interest in the issues affecting automotive recyclers across Ontario and beyond. With the Western Canada Auto Recycling Show taking place September 25–26 in Calgary, we look forward to continuing to build on the momentum and positive engagement we have seen so far this year.

“As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our businesses, it is important that recyclers have access to tools and standards that support operational excellence and continuous improvement.”

– Wally Dingman, Executive Director, ARC and OARA

Gold Seal 2.0: Raising the Bar

Another important initiative that continues to advance is Gold Seal 2.0. From the outset, the vision for Gold Seal 2.0 was to create a program that would not only establish industry standards but also evolve alongside the changing expectations of consumers, insurers, repairers, and regulators. The updated framework incorporates measurable performance expectations, warranty provisions, key performance indicators, and service standards designed to reinforce professionalism and accountability throughout the recycling process. We are also exploring opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to help manage and analyze the growing amount of data generated throughout the supply chain. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our businesses, it is important that recyclers have access to tools and standards that support operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Ultimately, Gold Seal 2.0 is about elevating the automotive recycling industry by providing a clear framework for quality, service, sustainability, and responsibility. It is designed to help recyclers understand and meet the expectations of today’s marketplace while positioning our industry for long-term success.

Data, Technology and the Future

At the same time, OARA continues to explore new data and technology opportunities that will benefit members and strengthen the industry’s position within the broader automotive ecosystem.

High-quality data is becoming increasingly important to insurers, repairers, governments, vehicle history providers, and consumers. Ongoing initiatives focused on data modernization, inventory management, reporting capabilities, and information sharing have the potential to create significant opportunities for recyclers while improving transparency and confidence throughout the supply chain.

As vehicle technology continues to evolve, so too must the tools and systems available to professional recyclers. By investing in better data and technology, we can continue to demonstrate the value that our industry delivers both economically and environmentally.

Promoting Sustainability Through Consumer Awareness

Environmental sustainability remains one of the automotive recycling industry’s greatest strengths, yet it is often one of our best-kept secrets. To help address this, OARA is launching a consumer-focused social media campaign aimed at educating the public about the environmental and economic benefits of choosing quality recycled OEM parts. While the campaign will support repair shops and industry partners, its primary audience will be consumers, who ultimately influence many of the purchasing decisions made throughout the repair process.

The campaign will focus on affordability, sustainability, resource conservation, and the important role professional automotive recyclers play within the circular economy. By highlighting the modern practices used by today’s recyclers, we hope to challenge outdated perceptions and misconceptions associated with the term “junkyard” while showcasing the sophisticated operations that exist across our industry. Many of these standards build upon the environmental stewardship principles established through the Canadian Auto Recyclers’ Environmental Code (CAREC), Canada’s long-standing environmental certification program. Every ARC member must successfully complete a CAREC audit and maintain compliance through ongoing follow-up audits, reinforcing our industry’s commitment to responsible environmental practices.

Looking Ahead

Whether through stronger standards, increased collaboration with insurers and industry partners, investments in data and technology, or greater consumer awareness, the objective remains the same: positioning professional automotive recyclers as an essential part of Canada’s automotive ecosystem and circular economy.

The momentum generated at the 2026 OARA Convention extends far beyond the event itself. The conversations have continued, the initiatives are moving forward, and the opportunities ahead are significant. By working together and continuing to raise the bar, we can ensure that automotive recyclers remain recognized as trusted, professional, and environmentally responsible contributors to the future of the automotive industry.

Wally Dingman is a long-time auto recycler and past chair of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada. He now serves as Executive Director for ARC and the Ontario Auto Recyclers Association (OARA). You can reach him at [email protected]