Category
Sustainability
Ontario expanding electricity rates programs in bid to help small businesses
The Ontario government is expanding eligibility for two existing industrial electricity programs and enhancing conservation programs for small businesses.
CPIA’s Cathy Cirko announces retirement
Kathy Cirko, the vice-president of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA), will be retiring at the end of May 2014, after 17 years with the organization. Circo joined the Toronto-based CPIA in January 1997, as director…
Bio-chemical maker gets $10 million gov’t loan for Ontario plant
The federal government is lending $10 million to France-based sustainable chemicals firm BioAmber Inc. for the construction of a commercial-scale bio-based chemical plant in Ontario, said to be the first facility of its kind in Canada.
Marine plastic litter can be converted into useable fuel: new Canadian study
Converting plastic from rivers, lakes and oceans into fuel is not as difficult as some might think, according to a new Canadian study.
Bioplastics producer Cereplast files for Chapter 11 protection
Bioplastics maker Cereplast Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S.
European Union seeks to reduce plastic bag usage
The European Commission has unveiled a proposal aimed at drastically reducing the use of plastic bags.
$55M automotive, construction biomaterials program launched
In a bid to cut down on the use of traditional petroleum-based polymers, Canada’s federal government is launching a biomaterials program to accelerate the development of green vehicles and buildings.
CPIA partners for new polystyrene recycling program being tested in Montreal
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA), the City of Montreal, and various other partners are testing an improved system for the collection and transportation of clean polystyrene.
Invista partners with Ingenza to develop bio-based industrial chemicals
U.S.-based polymers maker Invista and UK-based industrial biotechnology company Ingenza will collaborate on the development of new technologies to enable bio-derived processes for the production of industrial chemicals. “Invista…
Tetra Pak survey reveals demand for environmental labeling
A new survey by food packaging and processing company Tetra Pak highlights a rising demand for renewable materials and environmental labeling among consumers worldwide.
BASF opens $33 million plant science R&D facility in North Carolina
Chemicals giant BASF has opened a new research and development facility in North Carolina that will act as a hub for its plant science products.
Canadian and B.C. aerospace associations plan to join forces
The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) has announced plans to collaborate with the Aerospace Industries Association of British Columbia (AIABC) to help revitalize the provincial aerospace association.
CPIA site sponsoring “Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup”
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) is a site sponsor for this year’s Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, an annual event designed to remove shoreline litter, including plastics, from the country’s oceans, lakes, and…
Plastic bag ban approved by Los Angeles City Council
America’s second largest city is on the verge of banning single-use plastic grocery bags.
Simcoe Plastics takes on new bioplastics line in Ontario
Resin supplier Simcoe Plastics Ltd. is the new Ontario sales agent for SPB Bio Materials’ “Ekstend” line of bio-mass filled plastic compounds.
BioAmber partners with Brenntag for market expansion
U.S.-based renewable chemicals company BioAmber Inc. has partnered with German specialty chemical supplier Brenntag for distribution of its Bio-SA bio-based succinic acid and derivatives in the Americas, including bio-based 1, 4-butanediol…
Toronto facility named Orbis plant of the year
Orbis Corporation, a manufacturer of sustainable reusable plastic packaging, has named its Rexdale, Ontario facility as its plant of the year.
Green Energy Act causing Ontario power prices to soar: Fraser Institute
Ontario’s Green Energy Act (GEA) is set to push the costs for large energy users to the top in North America, with serious consequences for the province’s economic growth and competitiveness, according to a new report from Canadian…
Most electricity rates in Ontario to go up
Electricity prices in Ontario – Canada’s manufacturing heartland – will go up slightly due to higher costs from power generation and the use of cleaner energy sources.
Cereplast launches new algae bioplastic subsidiary
Bioplastics supplier Cereplast Inc. has incorporated a new subsidiary to develop and manufacture algae-based bioplastics.
Cereplast reports new bioplastics sales in wake of Italian bag ban
Bioplastics manufacturer Cereplast Inc. has announced it generated approximately US$300,000 in new revenue during the final two weeks of January 2013.
SPI’s Bioplastics Council critical of unsubstantiated degradable additives
The Society of the Plastics Industry’s Bioplastics Council is questioning the scientific validity of biodegradability claims made by producers of degradable additives.
Study highlights value of Canadian plastics-to-energy strategy
Converting all of the non-recycled plastics that are heading for Canadian landfills each year into energy using current technologies would be sufficient to provide fuel for over 600,000 automobiles annually, a new report suggests.
Bioplastics market to increase five-fold by 2016: study
The global bioplastics market will see a five-fold increase in production volumes by 2016, from 1.2 million tons to an anticipated 6 million tons.
Vancouver company teams with Dow to squeeze oil from waste plastics
A Canadian company that recovers energy, chemicals and oil from end-of-life waste plastics currently sent to landfill has attracted the attention of Dow Chemical Co.
Recycling of post-consumer plastic across Canada increases by 24 per cent: CPIA
Aided by the addition of thermoformed polystyrene and polyester packaging and molded tubs and lids to some municipal collection programs, Canadians recycled an additional 24 per cent of plastic packaging and products in 2011 compared to 2010,…
FEPAC gets $200,000 gov’t grant
The Federation of Plastics and Alliances Composites (FEPAC) has received $200,000 in non-repayable funding to help it continue maintaining and improving the competitiveness of Quebec plastics processors.
U.S. demand for post-consumer plastic rising: study
Demand for U.S. post-consumer recycled plastic is expected to rise 5.9 per cent annually to nearly 3.4 billion pounds in 2016, according to a new study by market research firm The Freedonia Group.
CPIA launches pro-plastic bag website
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) has gone on the PR offensive with a new website designed to counter some of the myths and promote the facts surrounding plastic bags in hopes of changing Toronto city councillors’ decision…
Canadian bioplastics provider Solegear partnering with National Research Council
Vancouver, B.C.-based bioplastics technology firm Solegear Bioplastics Inc. has teamed up with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to jointly develop new bioplastic using their respective proprietary formulations and technologies.
Canadian bioplastics provider Solegear secures funding
Vancouver, B.C.-based bioplastics technology firm Solegear Bioplastics Inc. has secured Series A financing, led by Yaletown Venture Partners and joined by a number of leading angel investors.
Invista partners with Lanza Tech for bio-based butadiene
Specialty chemicals developer Invista and biotechnology firm Lanza Tech have signed a joint venture to develop bio-based butadiene.
