Bonar Plastics is a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of durable, sanitary, and sustainable plastic containers and material handling solutions. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, the company specializes in custom-engineered products for high-demand industries including food processing, pharmaceutical, wine & spirits, chemical, and general manufacturing. Headquartered in West Chicago, Illinois, Bonar Plastics continues to be a preferred supplier for companies seeking reliable and hygienic handling systems that meet stringent industry standards.
Company Overview
Originally founded as part of the Bonar Group in the UK, Bonar Plastics has established itself as a pioneer in rotational molding technology in North America. Its solutions are widely recognized for innovation in design, structural integrity, and compliance with sanitation requirements. The company operates under the umbrella of Promens, a global leader in plastic manufacturing.
Core Business
Bonar Plastics is focused on the design and manufacture of high-performance plastic and hybrid containers, which include:
- Bulk bins and totes
- Food-grade liquid totes
- Insulated containers
- Plastic and steel hoppers
- Custom pallets
- Wine & spirits handling solutions
These products are engineered using FDA and USDA-compliant materials and manufactured using advanced rotational molding techniques for consistent thickness, impact resistance, and long service life.
Product & Service Offerings
Plastic Bins, Boxes & Totes
- Single and double-wall bulk containers
- Ideal for meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, and produce
- Load capacities up to 2,000 lbs
- Stackable and nestable designs
Food Grade Liquid Totes
- Rotomolded and steel-reinforced designs
- FDA-compliant materials
- Suitable for liquid food and beverage transport
- Optional steam-heat jackets and mixing capabilities
Plastic & Steel Hoppers
- Designed for dry bulk and liquid handling
- Sanitary discharge options
- Customized outlets and drain fittings
Polar Insulated Containers
- Designed for cold chain and temperature-sensitive goods
- Foam-insulated walls for thermal protection
- Popular in seafood, meat, and dairy industries
Sanitary Plastic Pallets
- Hygienic one-piece designs with smooth surfaces
- Easy to clean and resistant to bacterial growth
- Customizable footprints and load ratings
Wine & Spirits Handling Solutions
- Specialized totes and containers for fermentation and transport
- Resistant to ethanol and cleaning chemicals
- Tailored for vineyards and distilleries
Specialization & Core USP
Bonar Plastics differentiates itself through its commitment to sanitation, durability, and innovation. Key strengths include:
- Rotational molding expertise for complex shapes and uniform wall thickness
- High customization capability to suit niche industry applications
- Sanitary design principles with smooth interiors and non-absorbent materials
- Superior impact resistance and product lifespan
Their solutions are engineered to reduce contamination risk, enhance operational efficiency, and withstand harsh industrial environments.
Financial Performance
As part of Promens North America, Bonar Plastics operates within a larger group estimated to generate over $300 million in annual revenues. Bonar’s share is driven by robust demand in sectors such as:
- Food & Beverage (60%)
- Chemicals (20%)
- Wine & Spirits (10%)
- Pharma & Miscellaneous (10%)
Private sector data estimates Bonar Plastics’ standalone revenue to range between $40–60 million annually, with a consistent growth trend supported by food safety regulations and hygienic packaging requirements.
Shipment Records
Bonar Plastics supplies both domestic and international markets. Key logistics data includes:
- Over 100,000 units shipped annually
- Primary distribution in United States, Canada, and Mexico
- Export customers in Europe, Australia, and South America
- Usage in cold chain logistics, industrial supply, and direct OEM integration
Most shipments are handled from centralized manufacturing and warehousing facilities strategically located for efficient delivery across North America.
Target Market
Bonar Plastics serves a wide array of industries, including:
- Food processing and cold storage
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Winemaking and distillation
- Chemical production
- Meat, seafood, and produce distribution
- Brewing and beverage handling
Clients range from Fortune 500 food processors to mid-sized regional manufacturers who prioritize hygienic, reusable, and long-lasting container systems.
Capabilities
Bonar Plastics maintains state-of-the-art facilities capable of:
- Complex custom rotomolding
- Engineering support and CAD design
- Short-run and high-volume production
- Compliance with FDA, USDA, and NSF standards
- Integration of branding and product ID features
They also offer post-sale services including parts replacement, sanitation training, and container lifecycle tracking.
Certifications & Compliance
Bonar Plastics ensures product and process compliance with:
- FDA CFR 21 Regulations for food contact materials
- USDA Guidelines for sanitary design
- NSF Certification for selected products
- ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification
The company also complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and maintains traceability records for all production batches.
Customer Testimonials
“Bonar Plastics has been instrumental in upgrading our food safety program. Their containers are easy to sanitize and durable enough for high-frequency use.”
— Director of Operations, National Poultry Processor
“We’ve been using Bonar insulated bins for years—they’ve drastically improved our cold chain reliability.”
— Logistics Manager, Seafood Exporter in Alaska
Major Achievements
- Over 50 years of continuous operations in North America
- Supplied products to 7 of the top 10 U.S. food processors
- Partnered with leading wineries in California and Oregon
- Featured in Food Logistics and Packaging World for innovation in hygienic design
- Expanded product line with hybrid steel-reinforced food totes
- Pioneered custom plastic solutions for FDA-regulated pharmaceutical clients
Bonar Plastics continues to lead in sanitary material handling solutions, merging engineering excellence with industry-specific design to help customers maintain efficiency, compliance, and product integrity across every stage of their supply chain.
