Discover Who We Are
About Polykar
Polykar is an award-winning leader in the manufacturing of sustainable packaging solutions. Our specialty lies in producing polyethylene film for converters, garbage bags, certified compostable bags, food, and industrial packaging.Our commitment to quality is matched only by our dedication to trustworthiness and sustainability. These values not only guide us internally but shine through our exemplary service to customers. A display of collaboration, excellence, and pride has also earned us recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for four (4) straight years since 2021. With a dual-plant model, our goal is to create innovative products that generate less waste and benefit everyone – one flexible package at a time. It's how we work!
The Polykar Factor
The reviews are in and the feedback is unanimous!
At our company, we take pride in not only meeting our customers' needs but surpassing their expectations. We believe in going above and beyond to ensure that every interaction with our customers is a positive one. From the moment they reach out to us, we strive to make them feel valued and heard. Whether it's by providing personalized recommendations, offering customized solutions, or simply being attentive to their needs, we want our customers to have the best experience possible.
At the end of the day, our goal is to build lasting relationships with our customers and provide them with exceptional service that keeps them coming back time and time again.
The investments. The best equipment. The time. The devotion. The people. These are all part of what makes Polykar Inc. a future-ready company.
Here's our journey 1987 - today
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE TIMELINE
POLYKAR BEGAN AS A FAMILY BUSINESS IN 1987. DECADES LATER, WITH AN EXTENDED FAMILY, WE ARE A NORTH AMERICAN LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE PLASTICS.
Over the course of more than thirty years, our focus has been on manufacturing environmentally-friendly industrial garbage bags, compostable bags for organic waste collection, food packaging and on recycling polyethylene.
How do we lead the way in sustainable packaging? We help steer our industry to reduce our carbon footprint, research how to create more compostable packaging with global innovators and work with industry partners to help divert plastic waste away from landfills.
Today, Polykar's growth and expertise in recycling, making compostable film and bags keep us at the leading edge of sustainability in flexible packaging. This approach remains at the forefront of everything we do, and to this day, our people provide the passion to develop innovative packaging solutions.
An important part of our company's tradition lies in giving back to our communities. So in 2018, we established La Fondation Polykar as our commitment to do just this. Read about our Foundation at www.lafondationpolykar.org
Executive Team
Amir Karim
President & CEO
Following a decade of senior investment banking experience at Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs in New York and Montreal, Amir joined the family business in 2001. He directed Polykar's national and strategic growth until July 2018 when he became President and CEO. A passionate leader and advocate of sustainable plastics, Amir sits on several not-for-profit boards and associations and is currently Canada Director on the ISSA.
He is also the President of La Fondation Polykar.
Allan Wood
Vice-President & CFO
Allan came to Polykar in 2016 as our CFO and brought with him a decade of senior accounting experience alongside his CPA and CA designations. Allan then served as the Chief Operating Officer and developed a love for all things machines, plastic recycling and operational efficiency! In 2024, he returned to finance and is ready to leverage his operations and product knowledge to elevate our profitability and company growth. Allan believes that successes come every day at Polykar thanks to several mugs of coffee, great desserts and awesome socks!
Sandra Hudon
Vice-President Sales & Business Development
Sandra is a seasoned sales professional, bringing with her an impressive three decades of experience in the North American janitorial/sanitation, food service, and packaging markets. As a steadfast leader, Sandra guides the Sales team with determination, fostering the creation of exceptional customer relationships while effectively developing new markets to expand the company's reach. Alongside this, she maintains a focused approach to business development on a national level and also extending into the United States, showcasing her commitment to the company's growth. Sandra is an avid skier and loves U2’s music!
Mehdi Pakravan
Vice-President & Chief Technology Officer
Mehdi came to Polykar in 2021 bringing almost two decades of experience in the polymer as well as in the flexible packaging industry. Oriented towards continuous improvement, he has led multidisciplinary projects en route to developing more than 15 new products from ideation to launch. Mehdi has a PhD from Polytechnique Montreal. He enjoys adventurous road trips and watching soccer and tennis matches.
Chantal Chicoine
Vice-President of Human Resources, Culture & Organizational Development
With an impressive 35-year background in HR management and Health and Safety in the workplace, especially in manufacturing sectors. Throughout her career, Chantal has consistently played a pivotal role in creating talent-focused organizational structures, driving employee engagement, and aligning businesses with common objectives.
Passionate about travel, history, and architecture, once she sets her mind on something, the sky's the limit!
Management Team
Bryan Mongeau
Director, Marketing and Communications
Bryan is a dynamic and versatile professional in communication and marketing, with a rich history of success across diverse sectors - from the high-energy world of professional sports to the fast-paced automotive industry. He brought his unique blend of strategic vision and tactical implementation to the Polykar team in December 2019. His knack for creating gripping and impactful content has helped elevate brands' images and reputations on a national level. A wizard in branding, event planning and content creation, Bryan's work is synonymous with innovation and engagement. He enjoys the great outdoors - fishing and off-road camping.
Doug Clavier
Director of Operations Edmonton
Doug joined Polykar in 2021. He started his career in the trades, as a motorcycle mechanic. He eventually ran his own business as a coveted race tuner and engine builder for over a decade. His significant leadership abilities then led him to transition into several managerial roles within the manufacturing industry. Since his arrival, Doug has been crucial in overcoming logistical challenges and pandemic-related halts during the setup of Polykar's new innovative Edmonton plant. His strategic vision and leadership have significantly driven the company's successful expansion in Western Canada. Away from the production floor, you might find him reminiscing about the roar of motorcycle engines.
Rasul Abdoullakhi
Director of Operations Montreal
With a solid background in chemical engineering from McGill University, Rasul has accumulated more than eight years of experience at Polykar. His career path saw him pivot from the role of Quality Assurance Manager to the dynamic responsibilities of sales and special projects, positioning him perfectly for his current leadership role. Now responsible for the management and coordination of daily activities in the Montreal Plant, he ensures a high level of performance and the consistent production of high-quality products. He is currently enhancing his leadership and business management skills by pursuing an MBA at HEC Montreal. Beyond operations, Rasul holds the compassionate dream of starting an Animal Sanctuary.
Alain Roucau
Director of Equipment & Special Projects
Alain is a seasoned professional who joined the Polykar team in 2020. He brings with him an impressive 35 years of experience in the plastic industry, having held various roles such as Director of Maintenance and Director of Projects, thus demonstrating his versatility and leadership. Specializing in industrial maintenance, Alain also excels in the relocation and installation of all kinds of equipment. He has a particular talent for modernizing equipment and infrastructure, ensuring that Polykar remains at the forefront of innovation in its field. On weekends, Alain trades his Director's hat for that of a mountain bike trail agent and bike patrolman in summer.
Ali Kayed
Director, Supply Chain & Logistics
Ali is a seasoned supply chain management professional with a decade of hands-on experience. Joining Polykar in 2023, he leads the Supply Chain Department. His strategic insights and wealth of experience have played a pivotal role in optimizing Polykar's supply chain operations. Ali's commitment to excellence and innovation continues to drive efficiency and success in the dynamic realm of logistics. His MBA from Coventry University and a (SCMP) designation reflect his deep knowledge and expertise in the field. Outside of work, he has a passion for travel and sports, which he pursues enthusiastically in his spare time.
Board of Advisors
Suzanne Gouin
Chair, Board of Management, Canada Revenue Agency
Suzanne is a seasoned Board Director with significant experience in Business transformation, Digital implementation, Governance, and Human Capital issues. She is Chair of the Board of Management of the Canada Revenue Agency, member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation of Greater Montreal, Hydro-Québec and l’Esplanade, and sits on various advisory committees.
An experienced media executive who has been CEO of TV5 Québec Canada for more than 13 years, Suzanne also held various management positions in both the private and public sectors. She is a recipient of the National Order of Merit of the French Republic.
Jean-François Marcoux
Managing Partner, White Star Capital
With a background in finance, Jean-François has 25 years of experience in managing start-ups and investment projects. He is co-founder and managing partner at White Star Capital, an investment firm that supports global founders building industry-defining businesses. A former co-founder of Ludia, he contributed to its growth and profitability, resulting in the Mobile Game Publisher being acquired by FremantleMedia. He has held senior positions in M&A, financing and venture capital in the media and technology sectors—notably for a large publicly-traded media group, a leading Canadian Investment Bank, and one of the largest institutional fund managers in Canada.
Stewart Roth
Former President, Guardian Chemicals Inc.
Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Stewart was President and CEO of Guardian Chemicals Inc., a leading Canadian researcher, developer, and manufacturer of industrial process specialty chemicals with six major divisions. He has extensive leadership experience across the North American health and chemical sectors and has held numerous senior executive and influential board positions. More recently, Stewart serves as Director of Glyconet - National Center of Excellence for Glycomics Research and Business Development.
Robert Waite
Managing Director, Waite + Co.
Robert serves as Managing Director of Waite + Co., a strategic communications and marketing firm with offices in Boston, Ottawa and Toronto. He has over 30 years of experience leading communications, marketing, corporate social responsibility and government relations functions for some of Canada’s largest enterprises, including Ford of Canada, IBM Canada, CAE, CIBC and Canada Post. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved as Chair on several major committees. Robert began his career as a journalist, and he is currently a HuffPost Signature Contributor and a professor at Seneca College in Toronto.
Suzanne Blanchet
Member of the board of directors at Tappi
Suzanne Blanchet is an accomplished executive with over 35 years of experience with the Cascades Tissue Group, where her managerial talents and working knowledge of production have been instrumental in many significant projects. She became a reference in this extremely competitive business in America.
Throughout her career, she contributed as a board member of many companies in diversified businesses, from manufacturing to retail trade, and public administration.
A woman of influence, she also took part in numerous strategic committees throughout Canada and the United States. She has been a Board member of GDI Integrated Facility Services since 2018.
She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree from UQO in 2015 for her dedication to the sustainability field.
Associations
Awards
Canada's Best Managed Companies
2024 - 2021
