CPIA ushers in new leadership to advance sustainable print, packaging practices

CANADA – The Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA) has introduced a refreshed leadership team aimed at steering the sector through evolving market demands, with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly innovations in packaging. 

Announced earlier this month, the changes bring experienced professionals into key roles to support members in adopting greener technologies and navigating regulatory shifts.

Randy Bester steps in as the new president, drawing from his extensive career in print operations and business development. 

He succeeds longstanding figures in the association, bringing a focus on operational efficiency for sustainable outputs. 

In a statement, Bester said, “Our industry stands at a pivotal moment to integrate circular economy principles into everyday printing processes.” 

He added that the team plans to prioritize training programs on recyclable materials, targeting a 20% reduction in waste for member firms over the next two years.

Joining him is Isabelle Bourque, appointed as vice president of sustainability initiatives. 

With over 15 years in environmental compliance for packaging firms, Bourque will oversee projects linking print expertise to low-impact designs. 

According to association records, she previously led a US$1.5 million grant program for biodegradable inks at a major Quebec converter. 

Bourque noted in an interview that her role involves “bridging gaps between printers and brand owners seeking verifiable green credentials.”

The board also welcomes two new directors: Sarah Leung from Toronto, specializing in digital workflows for flexible packaging, and Michel Tremblay from Montreal, an expert in supply chain logistics for recycled substrates. 

Leung’s background includes optimizing print runs that cut energy use by 15% at her firm, while Tremblay has managed certifications for compostable labels across North America. 

A report by CPIA highlights how these appointments fill critical needs in an industry facing US$500 million in annual costs from outdated equipment.

In August 2025, Cascades, a key player in pulp-based packaging, celebrated three young leaders in its 2025 Top 10 Under 40 list for the Canadian pulp and paper sector. 

The recognition spotlights emerging talent driving fiber-based alternatives to plastic wraps, with the company’s molded pulp output doubling through recent U.S. acquisitions valued at over US$100 million. 

Hugues Simon, Cascades’ president and CEO, remarked that such contributions “help expand our operations while fostering a greener sector.”

CPIA members, numbering over 1,000 firms, stand to gain from expanded resources like webinars on Extended Producer Responsibility laws, now extended to 2030 targets in several provinces. 

Bester indicated that partnerships with groups like the Flexible Packaging Association will explore joint pilots for post-consumer resin in labels, potentially saving US200 million industry-wide by 2027. 

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