Sustainable Flexible Packaging Solutions

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

Board of Directors

Pierre Fitzgibbon

Special Advisor, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Pierre sits on the boards of Anasens and Concordia’s Volt-Age program and collaborates with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Previously he held the position of Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Montréal Region under the Quebec government from October 2018 until September 2024. Before entering politics, from 2015 to 2018 Mr. Fitzgibbon was Managing partner at Walter Capital Partners, a private equity firm. From 2007 to 2014, was President and CEO of Atrium Innovations, and from 2002 to 2007, worked for the National Bank Group, where he held the position of Vice Chairman of National Bank Financial, and Chief Financial Officer of National Bank. Prior to 2002, he held positions in finance, corporate development and business development at Telesystem International Wireless, Chase Capital Partners Hong Kong, Domtar and Peerless Carpet Corporation. Over the years he served on numerous Board of Directors of public and private companies and nonprofit organizations.

Amir Karim

President and CEO

Amir joined Polykar in 2001, following a decade of senior investment banking experience at Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs in New York and Montreal. Since then, he has led the company’s strategic development, driving major investments in automation, ERP systems, talent development, and expansion projects exceeding $50 million. In July 2018, he was appointed President and CEO, following a successful generational transition of the family business. Under his leadership, Polykar has been transformed into a national model of forward-thinking manufacturing, recognized for its leadership in sustainable packaging and its role in shaping a more resilient, circular economy. His efforts have quadrupled the company’s size and earned Polykar the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation. In 2022, he spearheaded the opening of a state-of-the-art facility in Edmonton, Alberta. He is currently a member of the board of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (since 2023), of Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (since 2021), as well as the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), where he serves as Vice-Chair of the Plastics Division Board of Directors (since 2023).

Nelson Gentiletti

Corporate Director

Nelson has over thirty years of international experience in finance, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning. A seasoned leader, he has worked in the manufacturing, technology and services sectors for major Canadian and U.S. companies. He was Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer of Loop Industries, a company specialized in sustainable PET plastic and polyester fibre recycling, from 2019 to 2021. Previously, he served as Chief Financial and Development Officer of Transcontinental from 2011 to 2018, and as Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer of Transat AT Inc. from 2002 to 2011. He sits on the Boards of Directors and various committees of Groupe Grandio, Cascades and Transcontinental. He also sits on Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business Advisory Board. He is a CPA and member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (CPA) and holds a Bachelor in Commerce from Concordia University and a Graduate Diploma in Public Accountancy from McGill University.

Suzanne Blanchet

D.h.c., IAS, Tappi Fellow

Suzanne has become an accomplished leader with over 35 years of experience at Cascades Tissue Group, where she served as CEO from 1997 to 2014. Her management skills and production expertise were key in numerous large-scale projects. She became a recognized figure in this highly competitive sector in North America and is known for her strong commitment to sustainable development. A woman of influence, she has served on the boards of directors of numerous companies across a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing to retail and public administration. She has also taken part in numerous strategic committees throughout Canada and the United States. She has been a board member of GDI Integrated Facility Services since 2018 and of VELAN Inc. since 2021. Suzanne received an honorary doctorate from the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) in 2015 in recognition of her lifetime achievements and for being a pioneer in sustainable development.

Geoffrey Roth

Managing Director, Guardian Chemicals Inc.

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Geoff is the Managing Director of Guardian Chemicals, a leading specialty chemical supplier in Canada and the U.S. providing chemistry, technology, and service solutions across three core business areas: Water Treatment, Industrial, and Wood Products. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant growth across North America, both organically and through acquisitions. Before joining Guardian, Geoff was Vice President at Siguler Guff, a $17 billion multi-strategy private equity firm in New York, where he helped source, analyze, and negotiate over $400 million in transactions. He also held a role at Aberdeen Asset Management earlier in his career. Geoff brings a dynamic mix of leadership, strategic vision, and financial expertise—skills that continue to drive growth and innovation at Guardian Chemicals.

Executive Team

Amir Karim

President & CEO

After a decade of experience in the investment sector at Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs in New York and Montreal, Amir joined the family business in 2001. He led Polykar’s national and strategic growth until July 2018, when he was appointed President and CEO. He has overseen major investments in automation, ERP, talent development, and expansion, totaling over $50M. Under his leadership, Polykar has quadrupled in size, opened a state-of-the-art plant in Edmonton, and earned the Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation. Amir also serves on several boards and associations and is President of the Polykar Foundation.

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 brings nearly 25 years of experience in polymer engineering, including over 15 years in the North American flexible packaging industry. He specializes in product development, cross-functional leadership, and process optimization, with a strong focus on driving innovation and sustainable solutions. His technical expertise spans thermoplastics, elastomers, bioplastics, and flexible films, with hands-on experience in blown film extrusion, lamination, and compounding. Known for building high-performing teams and fostering continuous improvement, Mehdi combines technical depth with strategic insight to deliver impactful results. 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!

Eric Paul

Vice President, Business Development

With over 25 years of experience in North America, before joining Polykar, Eric collaborated with Kraft Foods, Bain MAAX, and Cascades. He has supported numerous clients, retailers, wholesalers, and industrial manufacturers in the sales and promotion of finished products, consumables, packaging, and sanitary products. A strategic visionary, he has developed growth plans for various market segments and inspired his teams to exceed their objectives. A leader who catalyzes success, he transforms challenges into profitable opportunities. Outside of work, Eric has been volunteering for soccer boards in Quebec for 10 years. He enjoys cooking, hiking, and cycling.

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.

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.