Inside the MRF Complex: Canada Fibers’ Engine of Innovation
At the heart of Canada Fibers’ waste diversion and resource recovery strategy lies the MRF Complex—a state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility that redefines how recyclables are processed, sorted, and returned to the economy. Designed with efficiency, scale, and sustainability in mind, this facility is one of the most advanced of its kind in North America.
What Is a MRF?
A Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is where mixed recyclable materials—collected from residential, commercial, and municipal sources—are sorted into distinct streams that can be reused or remanufactured. These facilities play a crucial role in the circular economy, reducing landfill dependency and maximizing the value of post-consumer waste.
At Canada Fibers’ MRF Complex, automation and innovation drive performance. The system combines high-speed conveyors, optical sorters, magnets, and advanced robotics to identify and separate:
- Paper and cardboard
- Rigid and flexible plastics
- Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Glass and other residuals
This integrated approach supports broader sustainability programs, including Urban Polymers and Urban Biofuels, which rely on clean material streams for processing.
How the Facility Operates
High-Capacity, Low-Waste
The MRF Complex is designed to handle hundreds of tons of material per day, all while maintaining low contamination rates and high material purity. Quality control stations ensure recovered materials meet strict standards for reuse.
Smart Sorting Technology
The facility incorporates:
- Optical sorters that identify materials based on light refraction
- Eddy current separators for metals
- AI-powered robotics to enhance precision and speed
This allows Canada Fibers to respond dynamically to changing packaging trends and municipal recycling requirements.
Benefits for Municipal and Business Clients
As part of its Public Services and Business Services offerings, Canada Fibers uses the MRF Complex to:
- Reduce landfill costs for municipalities
- Support producer responsibility initiatives
- Enable clients to meet environmental reporting goals
The facility’s success is a direct reflection of Canada Fibers’ mission: to transform waste into resource across every touchpoint of the recovery process.
Connected Infrastructure: A Full Ecosystem
The MRF Complex is more than just a processing center—it’s a central hub that fuels other innovations:
- Recovered plastics are sent to Urban Polymers for reprocessing
- Clean wood fiber supports Urban Biofuels
- Recovered soil inputs contribute to Urban Garden Products
- Valuable materials are extracted for further refinement by Urban Mining
This ecosystem is part of what makes Canada Fibers Ltd. an industry leader in closed-loop environmental systems.
Recommended Video
See how high-tech recycling facilities like MRFs function behind the scenes:
Inside a Modern Recycling Facility – Full Process Explained
Innovation That Powers a Greener Economy
The MRF Complex is a clear demonstration of how infrastructure, innovation, and strategic thinking can reshape an entire industry. By investing in smart technology and integrating it across service divisions, Canada Fibers delivers real value—to the environment, to communities, and to its clients.
To learn more about how this facility fits into the company’s long-term vision, visit Company History or explore our role in supporting municipalities through Public Services.
