Copol International Limited

Custom-made for success

Copol’s 90,000 square foot plant runs 24/7 with four automated extrusion lines that are fed raw materials and produce cast polypropylene film (CPP) film. It takes an hour to make a 30,000 to 40,000 foot roll that is then split into specific widths and diameters sought by customers.

Over the years, ACOA has helped the business expand, purchase new equipment and develop new products as it cements its position in its niche market.  Replacing obsolete equipment is also crucial to the longevity and on-going growth of the company. To that end ACOA has supported the replacement of the in-line gauge measurement devices, an essential part of the extrusion process.

Also in the works is a project to purchase and install an additional extruder for the newest extrusion line. This will allow Copol to develop a new product line of fully recyclable barrier films. Currently, barrier films are made by laminating films of different resins, which, once together, are not recyclable. Copol’s new film will have a thin, compatible barrier resin, and keep the whole structure recyclable. Lanoë says it is a great move to improve the sustainability of Copol’s packaging.

“Sustainability in plastic packaging is very important to us. Plastics have a role to play in food security and in reducing food waste, we must ensure all packages are reusable, recyclable or compostable,” says Lanoë.

An engineer who was born in France and grew up in New Glasgow, Lanoë joined Copol a decade ago. He’s proud of the firm which employs more than 50 people with zero turnover, including a number of staff who have been with the company since its beginning. And, as Copol uses a lot of local services, it is a significant contributor to the Cape Breton economy.

“We truly appreciate all the support that we have received from ACOA over the years. They have been a steady partner and have allowed us to expand and grow. Thanks to ACOA we have been and continue to provide well-paying employment in the region,” he says.