Peterborough, Ontario -- A Canadian initiative to develop and deploy plastic-to-fuel technology to convert non-recyclable plastic waste into usable energy products, 4Plastic, has unveiled a filler-free plastic repair process and specialty product range for the United States and Canada.
The launch, announced Jan. 20, follows the conclusion of a four-year exclusivity agreement with the Boyd Group, one of the world’s largest collision repair operators, representing approximately 1,300 locations across North America.
Michael LoPrete, managing director of 4Plastic, said conventional plastic repair methods often rely on fillers and cosmetic reconstruction rather than true material restoration.
“4Plastic’s patented, filler-free technology restores polypropylene components using precisely controlled heat, targeted push reshaping, and seamless fusion welding with an automotive-grade material engineered to bond integrally with the original substrate,” LoPrete said. “By preserving material integrity and structural behavior, repairs are designed to perform as intended by OEM engineering.”
He noted that this approach is especially critical for modern bumper systems and safety-related plastic components, where structural performance and energy management are essential.
“This is not a new or experimental concept,” LoPrete added. “Four years of exclusive deployment within The Boyd Group allowed us to refine, validate, and prove the technology at scale in real-world production environments.”
Originally developed in Australia, the solution has been used by leading multi-shop operators across Australia, New Zealand, and Europe for decades. According to LoPrete, the system continued to advance through its high-volume application within The Boyd Group’s North American network.
“With exclusivity now concluded, the full 4Plastic solution is being introduced to the broader North American collision repair market for the first time,” he said. “This positions filler-free repair as a scalable, mainstream alternative to traditional cosmetic rebuilding methods—one that delivers improved repair quality, consistency, and sustainability.”
The 4Plastic product range will be available throughout the United States and Canada through SEM Products. In addition, discussions are underway with leading global brands to represent and distribute 4Plastic’s multi-patented portfolio in international markets.
4Plastic is also continuing research and product development in collaboration with key industry partners, with a focus on addressing critical gaps in the products, equipment, and tools required by professional plastic repair technicians.
“This ongoing investment ensures the technology is supported by a complete, best-practice repair ecosystem, enabling consistent outcomes across independent shops, MSOs, and markets,” LoPrete said.
LoPrete added that the launch supports the collision repair industry’s accelerating repair-first strategy by reducing unnecessary plastic part replacement, lowering landfill waste, and improving repair economics through reduced material usage and shorter cycle times.
“As claims volume and work mix fluctuate, the ability to consistently and profitably repair plastic components helps collision centres protect technician productivity and shop throughput,” he said. “By extending the service life of plastic components, 4Plastic supports repairers, insurers, and industry stakeholders in achieving both economic and environmental objectives, while raising the technical benchmark for proper plastic repair at scale.”
Key benefits of the 4Plastic system include:
- Elimination of filler materials and applications
- Improved durability and long-term performance
- Reduced rework, comebacks, and warranty exposure
- Lower material costs and reduced waste
- Support for OEM-aligned repair and consumer safety outcomes
According to LoPrete, the 4Plastic system enables the industry to move beyond cosmetic fixes toward true structural restoration.
“This launch represents a meaningful shift in the market,” he said. “It establishes a new expectation for quality, repeatability, and sustainability in professional plastic repair.”
4Plastic is a specialist plastic repair technology company dedicated to advancing repair-first solutions for modern collision repair. Through innovation, training, and industry collaboration, 4Plastic delivers technologies that improve repair quality, reduce waste, and support sustainable, OEM-aligned best practices.
