Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc., in partnership with Columbia Plastics, a leading plastic injection molding company, is bringing a family of plant-based desk organization & accessory office products to the office products retailer segment in Canada through its relationship with TOPS Products Canada.

Initial orders are estimated at up to 30 tons of material.

“We’re very excited to be collaborating with Columbia Plastics and TOPS Products Canada to meet consumer expectations for more sustainable products and responsible production. TOPS Products Canada deserves a lot of credit for their commitment to modernizing this category to meet this rapidly growing demand by proactively seeking out new materials and working with forward-thinking producers, like Columbia Plastics,” said Paul Antoniadis, CEO of Solegear.

Solegear’s Polysole LV bioplastic injection molding grade includes a suite of bioplastic resins that can be processed on conventional injection molding equipment. With plant-based content ranging from 65% to 100%, Polysole® LV is designed to replace petroleum-based Polypropylene, High Impact Polystyrene and ABS plastics while maintaining performance and the highest possible levels of annually renewable material.

Columbia Plastics, a strategic channel partner, has produced well over 12 million or 2,000 tons of high quality office products in the last 50 years and is tapping into the growing demand from consumers for plastics that will do less long-term harm to the environment. “There is strong consumer appetite for high quality office supplies that are more sustainable,” said Brian Holmes, Vice President & General Manager of Columbia Plastics. “Columbia Plastics has been manufacturing for Tops Products of Canada for over 50 years and we are very excited to be converting these products to Solegear’s Polysole LV bioplastic.”

Solegear’s materials are designed as drop in solutions that we can process efficiently in our existing manufacturing equipment. This has made it easier and more cost effective for product manufacturers like Tops Products Canada to make the switch to Solegear’s bioplastics.” TOPS Products Canada office supplies & products are currently available at Canadian office retailers such as Staples, Staples Advantage, Basic Office Products, BuroPlus, Office Pro and Office Plus.

The first office products developed through Solegear and Columbia Plastics’ strategic partnership are expected to be launched in late 2015.(KL)