Industrial Plastics Canada is defending its environmental reputation after its new manufacturing facility on Wallace Road was put under scrutiny in an in-depth online article.
The Narwhal, an online magazine that investigates environmental concerns raises some alarm bells about the manufacturing facility in a recent publication, noting the private company is not subject to environmental assessment. The article mentions potential contaminants, including PFAS, and raises doubts as to whether Health Canada's regulations on PFAS adequately cover such scenarios.
See related: City defends company under scrutiny for environmental concerns
Andrea Arlati, president of IPC Canada responded to the concern in an email to BayToday due to the recent online backlash that IPC says they have been facing since The Narwhal's recent article.
"We want to clarify certain issues raised in an article about our recently established Industrial Plastics Canada (IPC) facility located in North Bay," Arlati says.
"To begin with, it is crucial to highlight that none of the products referred to as 'forever chemicals' in the article are manufactured by us. PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals associated with environmental challenges, are used across various industries, but we do not manufacture any PFAS at IPC," continues Arlati.
Arlati adds the North Bay IPC facility boasts state-of-the-art processes that are entirely enclosed and fully recyclable, resulting in zero environmental impact.
"Our products are made by moulding pre-purchased plastic resin into solid shapes," Arlati explains. "As a result, no water from our manufacturing process is discharged into any lakes, streams or other bodies of water. Additionally, no material waste is produced during the process."
The company president explains IPC products are commonly used in various essential industries such as healthcare, transportation, and communication.
"For instance, IPC Shapes are indispensable for electric car batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and other applications for a greener future," says Arlati in the email.
Arlati notes the IPC shapes which are sold across North America are considered safe, non-toxic, and fully-recyclable.
"These claims are backed by certifications such as REACH and RoHS approvals, pharmaceutical USP Class VI, FDA approvals, 3A Sanitary Standards approvals, and various approvals for drinking water contact," says Arlati.
Arlati insists IPC's team and state-of-the-art facility upholds the utmost values of quality, integrity, and care for the environment.
"IPC Inc., a member of the Guarniflon Group, has been creating custom-molded shapes made from plastic resin purchased from select global manufacturers for over 50 years," explains Arlati.
"For this reason, IPC and the other companies within the Guarniflon Group are commonly referred to as 'transformers' rather than manufacturers."
The president continues to stress that community safety and environmental protection are a top priory for the organization.
"We ensure strict compliance with all government regulations and standards, including those set by organizations such as the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Labour," says Arlati.
"IPC is thrilled to join the North Bay community and is committed to contributing positively. We are proud of our innovative and sustainable operation model and welcome any opportunity to share our knowledge and global expertise with the community."
Earlier in the day, the City of North Bay released a statement addressing the same type of concerns relating to IPC and the Narwhal article.
"We understand that recent news and social media posts have raised concerns and misconceptions about Industrial Plastics Canada and its operations in North Bay," Mayor Peter Chirico says in a statement to BayToday.
"Firstly, IPC will not manufacture raw plastics on site, and its operations will not have any impact on local watercourses," Chirico says.
"The facility will not discharge to land or water. Air standards will be required to comply with Ontario environmental legislation and regulations like all manufacturers in the City of North Bay and within the Province of Ontario."
