Chemistry Industry Association of Canada and Canadian Plastics Industry Association join forces, lead the way to eliminate plastic waste

February 24, 2020

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) have agreed to a transaction that will see the dissolution of the CPIA, and a new Plastics Division created under the CIAC banner.

The decision follows an extensive due diligence process that determined the CIAC and CPIA have complementary strengths and committed members, but that the challenges for plastics require even greater collaboration.

“We understand that plastics are a vital part of the Canadian economy and everyday lives, but plastic waste doesn’t belong in the environment,” said Ed Bechberger, Chair of the CIAC Board of Directors and President of ERCO Worldwide. “As an industry, we’re dedicated to innovation and investment in product design and to the responsible management and reduction of plastic waste. This transaction will provide a balanced approach to plastics and its value to society.”

“We’re excited to move forward with this transaction because the combination of the two organizations will deliver a stronger, clearer and more unified voice for plastics at a time when unity is needed by the industry to educate Canadians and different levels of government on the value of plastics and policy alternatives to product bans,” added Joel Rudolph, Chair of the CPIA Board of Directors and Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Farnell Packaging.

By combining forces, the new entity will promote responsible plastic production in Canada and work toward reducing and eliminating plastic waste from the environment, all in support of a robust Canadian economy.

CPIA and CIAC conducted special meetings of their members to vote on the transfer of assets from CPIA to CIAC and the associated bylaw changes for both organizations to form a new Plastics Division. Members from both organizations ratified the transaction unanimously.

Details of the transition and dissolution of CPIA will be released in the next few months.