Guelph has been long known as a centre for agri-innovation and invention, where the bounty of agriculture flourishes, and the recognition of crucial industry transformation is underway. Beyond the sun-soaked fields and technological advances in farming lies a pivotal chapter in the journey from harvest to home. The unveiling of a new packaging facility in Guelph marks not just a local milestone but a significant leap in the regional food and beverage processing sector.
As large food companies in North America strive to improve their packaging, sustainability remains the primary objective. Now these goals are within reach as Omnia Packaging, the Canadian subsidiary of Gruppo Sunino from Italy, opens its first North American facility in Guelph Ontario.
Omnia, which was founded in 2021, recently cut the ribbon on its new facility which expands its global operations. The new Guelph plant will be 90,000 square feet and it is the only subsidiary having two productive divisions for paper and plastic food packaging. The innovative solutions Omnia is bringing to Canada include sustainable plastic packaging designed specifically for dairy and confectionary producers and copackers.
They acquired exclusivity for Canada for an Italian patented technology that thermo forms and heat seals paper punnets without the use of any glue. Omnia’s clients include several food companies and fresh producers.
Paolo Sunino Owner and CEO of Omnia Packaging Inc adds “The objective of OMNIA PACKAGING is to supply custom-made packaging solutions with attention to the environmental aspect, we will be producing only 100% recyclable packaging solutions in plastic and paper The Group had invested an initial 15M Cad to cover the facility and shop floor’s set up We are currently expanding the equipment and automation adding to the initial investment another 10 M CDN.”
Omnia’s expansion has been funded in part by a $3.7 million zero-percent loan granted through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario’s in order to expedite a nationwide transition toward a zero-waste plastic future. In announcing the funding, the company stated its plans to introduce fully sustainable packaging for this year’s growing season, a year ahead of schedule, and its hopes that its packaging would help increase recycling rates in Canada in the years to come.
Close proximity to multiple U.S. border crossings, Guelph strategically positions itself as an integral hub for logistics, workforce attraction, and research and development within the food and beverage processing sector. Nestled in one of Canada’s most densely populated regions, Guelph is a gateway to the North American food and beverage marketplace connected to more that 150 million consumers within a on-day drive and serviced by five internationals airports, three shipping ports and daily local rail freight service.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Guelph has an agricultural legacy spanning two centuries and has evolved into a global stronghold of innovation and research and development (R&D). The city attracts companies seeking expansion and relocation within the Agri-Food and Beverage cluster, where a commitment to advanced technologies propels economic growth and fosters excellence. Notably, Guelph’s standing as a hub for R&D in the food and beverage industry is fortified by collaborations with the University of Guelph’s Food Science Department and the Guelph Food Innovation Centre (GFIC), further amplifying the city’s role as a driving force in shaping the future of the sector. Learn more about their impactful contributions.
For more information on the University of Guelph please visit uoguelph.ca/foodscience
