TORONTO, June 11, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On May 31, 2012 the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) announced the winners of the 2012 Plastics Industry Awards. CPIA's awards recognize outstanding individuals and businesses for their commitment and dedication to the growth and sustainability of the Canadian plastics industry.
"We are delighted to be able to celebrate the contributions of the winners in all of the award categories." said Carol Hochu, President and CEO of CPIA.
Since 1966 the Leader of the Year Award has been given to individuals that are recognized as having made important contributions to the Canadian plastics industry and continually use their knowledge and influence to improve the competitive, innovative and environmental performance of the industry. In addition, they contribute their time and resources to community and faith groups or other organizations dedicated to society-building.
This year the Leader of the Year Award recipient is Paul Cohen, President of W. Ralston (Canada) Inc.
W. Ralston is a family owned business that has been making polyethylene film in Canada since 1960. The company currently operates six manufacturing facilities in Canada and the USA, employing approximately 450 people.
Paul has always had a strong involvement and leadership in the plastics industry over the years including:
- Participating tirelessly in many industry boards.
- Leading one of the first programs for blue box recycling of plastic film acquiring the EcoLogo™ certification for W. Ralston on polyethylene bags.
- Leading in obtaining approvals for the use of compostable plastic bags in municipal food waste collection programs.
- Being instrumental in the "Plastics in Art" project, the enormous composite planters seen along the Don Valley Parkway, whose purpose is to serve as an elevated wetland, purifying water from the Don River thereby bringing attention to the plastics industry contributions to the environment.
Paul, together with his company, has been a leader in the area of environmental and product stewardship including recycling and composting initiatives and continues to lead and contribute to the growth and development of the Canadian plastics industry.
In addition, Paul's on-going philanthropic activities, fundraising and volunteerism benefits many worthwhile charities and initiatives including his participation on the board of Walrus Magazine, a non-profit charitable magazine about Canada; managing a community hockey team, volunteering and fundraising for his synagogue; and participating in his children's school council by serving as treasurer and by fundraising.
The Plastics Innovation Award is for those companies or individuals that have contributed to the expansion of the Canadian plastics industry, through advancement of plastic technology. This year's Plastics Innovator Award winner is Dr. Mohini Sain, Professor and Director, Centre for BioComposites and BioMaterials, University of Toronto. An academic and entrepreneur with 25 years career in polymer and industrial bioproducts sector.
Dr. Sain continually provides leadership in academia and technology commercialization to industry by actively involving himself in the creation of flagship programs such as Canadian Natural Composite Council, ISO Standardization committee for Nanotechnology, BIOCAR, and Ontario BioAuto Council.
Editor of multiple books, creator of spin-off companies, author of hundreds of publications and patents, Mohini holds a degree in Polymer Engineering from IIT, India and a PhD in chemical technology from Technical University, Bratislava, received honorary doctorate degree in 2009 and received several national and international awards for his contribution to academia and industry.
The Plastics Stewardship Award recognizes companies that have contributed to the enhancement of the Canadian plastic industry's stewardship and sustainability. Contributions may be in the areas of product development, reprocessing, energy recovery from waste, conservation and responsible use of resources.
The Plastics Stewardship Award winner this year is Stuart Clark, President & CEO, Simplas Inc.
To-date, Simplas has diverted over 12 million pounds of post-industrial pipe and an additional 2 million pounds of post-consumer plastic pipe and siding away from landfill and back to local markets across Canada.
Stuart Clark and Simplas are developing a process that will continue to divert millions of pounds of post-consumer material from landfill to supply recyclate into the Canadian economy.
As a multi-dimensional company, Simplas is involved in many aspects of the plastics industry including awareness and education; manufacturer recycling potential assessment; industry representation; plastics recycling and even scrap collection and toll work.
The Recycled Plastic Products Award recognizes companies whose products or packaging is produced in Canada and contains at least 20% post-use plastics. This award is intended to raise awareness about innovative uses of millions of pounds of plastics collected for recycling. The company receiving the Recycled Plastic Products Award this year is Nuform Building Technologies Inc.
Nuform is a manufacturer and distributor of innovative plastic building products. Its products have changed the construction industry by providing a superior alternative to traditional building products.
Specifically, Nuform's stay-in-place concrete formwork called CONFORM™ provides clean, finished, bright and extremely energy efficient walls.
CONFORM is UL Environment certified to contain a minimum of 55% recycled content which helps Nuform keep costs low so it can compete domestically and in the international marketplace where Nuform's projects range from low-cost housing to military structures.
Newcomer of the Year Award recognizes companies or individuals who during the year have contributed to the Canadian plastic industry's contributions to the country's economy, standard of living and environment. This award is intended to showcase the newcomers or new technology to the industry and create a platform for attraction of new talent and new innovation to the industry.
Groupe RCM Inc. is this year's Newcomer of the Year award winner in recognition of their new post-consumer plastics recycling line. Groupe RCM Inc. is a non-profit corporation active in the field of waste recovery and recycling. The company's mission is to create jobs for people with physical or cognitive limitations. The company has grown up to 200 employees of whom nearly three-quarters are disabled.
The corporation has recently finalized the construction of a new processing line at its Yamachiche, Quebec plant. This new installation will allow Groupe RCM to recycle plastic bags, film and aseptic containers from products like juice, wine, and soup and the cartons used for dairy products like milk and cream.
Resin made from 100% post-consumer products is suitable for a wide variety of applications and will be sold to various manufacturers across Canada and the USA. This striking innovation will generate 25 new jobs at their Quebec plant, contributing significantly to the environment, society and the economy.
CPIA would like to congratulate all the award winners and commend them for their contributions to the plastics industry.
The awards were presented at CPIA's Annual General Meeting and Awards Celebration on May 31, 2012 at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel in Toronto.
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association is the national voice of Canada's plastics industry, representing the interests of processors, material suppliers, equipment manufacturers and brand owners across the country.
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12287
For More Information:
Darlene Gray
Canadian Plastics Industry Association
905.678.7748 ext. 239