For over 30 years, Ice River Sustainable Solutions has been redefining what it means to be a Canadian, family-owned business. Headquartered in Dufferin County, the company has become a leader in the circular economy by managing every step of the value chain—from curbside collection and recycling, to manufacturing, producing natural spring water and developing innovative packaging solutions.
Ice River was the first beverage company in North America to own and operate its own recycling facility. Since 2010, the company has kept over 700 million pounds of plastic out of landfill, transforming post-consumer PET into 100% recycled-content bottled water. Each year, millions of pounds of plastics are recovered and reused, proving that recycling works. As Crystal Howe, VP of Sustainability and Government Relations, explains, “We are proof the system works—when you recycle your beverage bottle with the cap on, we can turn it into something new.” Plastic bottle caps are easily separated from the bottle and sent to their sister company, C.R. Plastic Products who turns them into premium, outdoor furniture.
Ice River employs over 550 people in Ontario and contributes to the Dufferin economy through jobs, community donations, and local supply chains. Recent investments include Greenlid paper fiber cutlery manufacturing, Pyrolysis, and The Utopia Market in Feversham.
For Ice River, being based in Dufferin is the best of both worlds—close enough to supply chains and retailers while remaining deeply connected to rural values. Entrepreneurial founders Sandy and Jamie Gott continue to drive innovation, ensuring Ice River remains at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing for decades to come.