CPIA Announces 2012 Plastics Industry Award Winners

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:

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.

See the original post:
CPIA Announces 2012 Plastics Industry Award Winners