When Baljit Sierra founded Novo Plastics in 2006, he didn’t set out to revolutionize the plastics industry. A former lawyer with a passion for business, Sierra pursued an MBA to escape the confines of a desk job and explore new opportunities. Little did he know that a chance connection with a family member in the plastics industry would spark the creation of a company now leading the charge in sustainable packaging.
“I wanted to build something impactful, not just push papers,” Sierra recalls. “You meet people along the way, opportunities arise, and sometimes, that’s how great things begin.”
Based in Markham, Ontario, Novo Plastics has grown into a global leader in designing and manufacturing engineered plastic parts and components. Renowned for its expertise in injection and blow molding, as well as innovative product design, the company has carved out a reputation for quality and forward-thinking solutions. Strategically located at Major MacKenzie and Highway 404, Novo Plastics benefits from Markham’s status as a hub for manufacturing, technology and engineering talent.
“Markham’s vibrant tech ecosystem has been a game-changer for us,” Sierra says. “The access to skilled engineers and proximity to major industries has fueled our growth.”
In its early years, Novo Plastics primarily served automotive manufacturers and OEM suppliers, capitalizing on the region’s dense network of automotive businesses. However, Sierra’s vision extended beyond a single industry. Recognizing the volatility of the automotive sector, he made a bold pivot in 2018 to diversify the company’s portfolio and embrace emerging trends.
“As a leader, my job is to anticipate what’s next,” Sierra explains. “The automotive industry is tied to economic cycles, so we expanded our focus to sustainable packaging, a market with immense potential and a chance to make a positive impact.”
Today, Novo Plastics produces sustainable packaging for a diverse range of sectors, including environmental and waste management, food and beverage, consumer, industrial, automation, retail, and automotive.
One standout product is the Novo Tote, a reusable tote made with recycled material designed to replace single-use plastic bags. Developed in collaboration with a major retail client aiming to eliminate plastic bags in its stores, the Novo Tote has become a cornerstone of Novo’s sustainability efforts.
“Our retail partner challenged us to create a durable, eco-friendly alternative,” Sierra says. “The Novo Tote is now a favorite among shoppers, proving that sustainability and convenience can go hand in hand.”
While plastics often face scrutiny in discussions about environmental impact, Sierra is quick to dispel misconceptions.
“The narrative around single-use plastics has been oversimplified,” he says. “At Novo, sustainability is at our core. All our products are recyclable, and we use recycled materials in our manufacturing process, creating a truly circular system.”
As the importance of waste reduction and recycling continues to emerge, and the use of e-commerce and delivery services surges, Novo Plastics is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable packaging. From environmental and waste recycling containers to food delivery and retail logistics, the company addresses the environmental challenges of a convenience-driven world.
“We live in an era where goods arrive at your door with a tap on your phone, but too often, those deliveries come with wasteful packaging,” Sierra notes. “Our reusable solutions are designed to reduce waste while meeting the needs of modern consumers and businesses.”
With a commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, Novo Plastics is poised for significant growth. Sierra envisions a future where sustainable packaging becomes the standard, not the exception, and his company is leading the way.
To learn more about Novo Plastics and its cutting-edge sustainable packaging solutions, visit novoplas.com.
