Urban Polymers: Closing the Loop on Post-Consumer Plastics
Urban Polymers, a division of Canada Fibers Ltd., is where waste plastic transforms into industrial-grade resource. In a time when plastic pollution continues to dominate headlines, this facility provides a scalable, circular solution by reclaiming, reprocessing, and remanufacturing post-consumer polymers for commercial reuse.
Through innovation, vertical integration, and a firm commitment to sustainability, Urban Polymers is helping shape a low-carbon, closed-loop plastics economy in Canada.
What Does Urban Polymers Do?
At its core, Urban Polymers specializes in:
- Sorting plastics by resin type (e.g., PET, HDPE, PP)
- Removing contamination and color inconsistencies
- Processing and pelletizing plastics into clean resin compounds for re-use in manufacturing
These recycled pellets are used to create durable goods, packaging, automotive components, and more—replacing virgin plastic while maintaining industrial standards.
This approach is in direct alignment with Canada’s Zero Plastic Waste Agenda, which aims to eliminate plastic waste by 2030.
Where the Material Comes From
Input streams are sourced from:
- Curbside collection via Public Services
- Commercial recycling partners through Business Services
- Front-end sorting at the MRF Complex
- Specialized material recovery via Urban Mining
Every bale of plastic is tracked, traced, and processed under rigorous standards—ensuring not just recovery, but quality-controlled circularity.
Why Urban Polymers Matters
- ♻️ Diverts plastic waste from landfill
- 📦 Supports manufacturers in meeting post-consumer content mandates
- 🔁 Reduces emissions and dependency on fossil-fuel-based virgin plastics
- 📈 Enhances Canada’s local supply of recycled resins
Urban Polymers plays a vital role in Canada Fibers’ broader system, complementing divisions like Urban Biofuels and Urban Garden Products in maximizing resource recovery.
How It Works: From Bottle to Pellet
Step 1: Identification & Sorting
Advanced optical and AI sorting systems scan plastic streams by type, color, and contamination level.
Step 2: Cleaning & Flake Preparation
Plastics are cleaned, shredded, and converted into uniform flakes for extrusion.
Step 3: Extrusion & Pelletizing
The plastic is melted, reformed, and cooled into high-purity pellets—ready for industrial use. What is HDPE
Use Cases & End Markets
The final resin compounds are used in:
- Consumer packaging
- Automotive parts
- Construction products
- Retail displays and storage units
Our clients benefit from low-carbon, traceable plastic inputs that support their ESG goals and contribute to circular design strategies.
Recommended Video
See a full walkthrough of how recycled plastic is turned into usable products:
Building a Better Future, One Polymer at a Time
Urban Polymers is proof that waste doesn’t have to be wasted. By extracting new value from old materials, we’re helping Canadian industry move toward sustainability without compromise.
To see how this division connects with Canada Fibers’ larger mission, visit our Company History or explore how we work directly with local governments and industry through Public Services and Business Services.
