September 16, 2010
CPIA Announces Technology Transfer Trade Mission on
Plastics Recycling and Energy Recovery
Toronto, ON, September 16, 2010 – The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) today
announced its Technology Transfer Trade Mission to Germany on plastics recycling and energy
recovery bringing world class technologies to Canada. Canadian recyclers, processors and
policy makers will be introduced to German recycling and energy recovery systems, as well as
equipment firms exhibiting at the K-show in Germany in Oct/Nov 2010.
It is believed that this trade mission will stimulate technology transfers that will be one of the key
building blocks in advancing the rate of landfill diversion of plastics.
“Germany is globally acknowledged as being advanced in both recycling and energy recovery.
The fact that Germany has reduced land filling of plastics waste to nearly zero is a model worth
investigating.” – Mark Badger, President & CEO
The Canadian plastics industry is one of our country’s largest manufacturing employers and
contributes very significantly to GDP with over $30 billion in shipments. There are
approximately 3400 firms directly engaged in plastics manufacturing in Canada employing over
100,000 Canadians. The industry tends to be very vertically integrated, producing a substantial
employment multiplier effect. Further, the industry is a source of innovation for advanced
industries such as communications, alternative energy and medical.
CPIA introduced the mission to its member earlier this year. At this time participation in the
mission is robust and growing rapidly, with recyclers, converters and material suppliers.
Invitations will also be sent to government officials to participate in the mission.
CPIA believes that there is substantial opportunity for Canada to increase plastic waste
diversion through both mechanical recycling and energy recovery from waste. CPIA reckons
that visible increases in diversion will help cultivate healthy demand for the industry’s products
and improve the industry’s global cost position. These beliefs are based on analyses of
Europe’s experiences with the same issue.
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.
For More Information:
Mark Badger
President & CEO
Canadian Plastics Industry Association
905.678.7748 ext. 229