Businesses in the Saint-Laurent borough of Montreal, Canada, are joining forces to develop new solutions for reusing plastic waste, driving progress toward a circular economy.
As a manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions, Polykar has launched PolyVie, an ambitious pilot recycling program aimed at transforming plastic waste from local companies into reusable resources.
In addition to Polykar, the initiative brings together prominent organizations including:
- EssilorLuxottica: It is known for its optical lenses, iconic eyewear brands, and vision care products.
- Majestic International: The company makes men’s apparel and loungewear.
- Moneris Solutions Corporation: It is one of Canada’s leading commerce solution providers.
- STANPRO: As a Canadian leader in lighting solutions, it offers innovative and energy-efficient products.
“PolyVie is more than a recycling program; it’s a testament to the power of local collaboration,” says Amir Karim, president and CEO of Polykar. “By bringing together businesses in Saint-Laurent, we’re proving that sustainability starts in our own backyard. This initiative transforms plastic waste into opportunity, setting a new standard for how communities can work together to drive real progress toward a circular economy.”
Turning Vision Into Impact
The program has achieved a 96% recycling rate by diverting thousands of pounds of plastic waste from landfills and repurposing it at Polykar’s facility to create new products.
Sourcing plastic waste locally from businesses, the initiative fosters a community-driven effort to address environmental challenges.
The program’s success highlights the potential of collaborative sustainability efforts.
Moneris was the first partner to join the initiative, recognizing the importance of embedding sustainability into its operations.
“As a company committed to sustainability and responsible commerce, we are proud to partner with Polykar and participate in the PolyVie program,” says Marc Hollenberg, chief operations officer (COO) at Moneris. “This initiative aligns with our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments by reducing waste and driving change within our supply chain. We look forward to our continued work with Polykar, as we take meaningful steps toward a greener future while actively supporting our local community.”
STANPRO has also played a crucial role, further advancing the initiative’s momentum.
“At STANPRO, we recognize that sustainability is a shared responsibility and is deeply rooted in our core values,” says Rob Nadler, president at Ascot Capital Group—Lighting Division. “Partnering with Polykar on the PolyVie initiative is a natural step in our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental footprint. We have great pride in joining forces with fellow Canadians who value innovation, sustainability, and collective action.”
The companies are finding innovative ways to repurpose plastic waste, but are also contributing to a more sustainable economy for future generations, Nadler adds.
Collaboration at Its Core
The initiative was brought to life with the support of Excellence industrielle Saint-Laurent and its sustainable development team. They fostered collaboration between local companies generating plastic waste and those looking to repurpose it, while Polykar offered a practical solution.
“We are very proud of the commitment of each party and hope to inspire other companies to join this initiative and develop additional synergies,” says Leesa Hodgson, executive director of Excellence industrielle Saint-Laurent.
With the program alive and well, Polykar is looking to expand PolyVie to more local businesses in the coming months, with several additional companies already joining since the initiative’s launch.
Your Turn to Take Action
Polykar invites other organizations to participate in PolyVie and to be part of the shift toward a more sustainable future.
By working together, businesses can help reshape how plastic waste is managed and turn sustainability ambitions into real action.
Bryan Mongeau is director, marketing, and communications at Polykar. He can be reached at bryan.mongeau@polykar.com.
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