Plastics re-processor MBA Polymers UK has expanded its operations with the acquisition of PPR Wipag, a Dover, UK-based automotive plastics recycler.
The takeover, said MBA 30 April, is part of the group’s long-term strategy to increase its product portfolio and provide a complete closed-loop offering.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1995, PPR Wipag is specialised in processing post-industrial plastics from the automotive industry, including complex multi-layered parts, and converting them back into high-quality closed loop resins.
The company has developed a composite separation plastic technology for the recycling of composites. Through the process, multi-layered composite plastic materials are delaminated and separated, allowing the individual layers to be recycled back into resins with a high level of purity.
With operations in the UK, Austria and China, MBA Polymers recycles post-consumer plastics from automotive shredder residue (ASR) and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) into “high quality virgin replacement” polymer grades.
Post-acquisition PPR Wipag will act as MBA’s post-industrial arm and will explore the recycling of new products. Jonathan Weston, PPR Wipag’s managing director will join the management team at MBA Polymers as the head of post-industrial products division.
“The acquisition allows us to provide closed loop solutions to existing customers whilst also increasing our product portfolio of high quality recycled polymer,” said Paul Mayhew, general manager, MBA Polymers UK.
The merger, according to Weston, will offer a “true cradle to grave” recycling solution to the UK’s automotive industry.
“The merge will bring benefits and new opportunities and is the ideal solution for the evolution of our business,” Weston added.