Canadian plastics, chemistry associations create plastics division

OTTAWA — The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) are joining forces to create a new plastics division.

The division, to be housed within the CIAC, is to be operational in July 2020 pending approval from both associations’ boards.

CIAC and CPIA have collaborated on projects and issues. In 2018, they jointly announced a 100% reduction of plastic packaging being reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040 and 100% of plastic packaging being recyclable or recoverable by 2030. Additionally, they agreed to a broader commitment to Operation Clean Sweep, an international program designed to prevent and help keep plastic litter materials out of the marine environment.

“CIAC and CPIA have very complementary strengths and mandates,” said Joel Rudolph, vice- president strategy and business development, Farnell Packaging and chair of the CPIA board. “Combining those strengths will increase our share of voice about urgent plastics issues with important stakeholders at a time when our sector needs the clearest and most unified national voice possible.”

“Our boards agree that the time is definitely right to come together and facilitate the shift to a circular economy,” said Ed Bechberger, president, ERCO Worldwide and chair of the CIAC board.