Polymer distributor Biesterfeld Petroplas is offering a reward of up to £50,000 ($85,500) for help in finding 500 metric tons of polyethylene stolen from a warehouse last weekend.
The Abingdon, England-based company said the stolen material is Marlex-branded high density polyethylene, grades 5502BN, 50100 and TR131, which was packed in 25 kilogram bags. The material was stolen over the weekend of February 22 and 23 from a third party contractor's warehouse in the north west of England.
Marlex HDPE is produced by Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. and the material is fully traceable via batch numbers and analysis. The resins are used to manufacture bottles, film, pipe and sheet.
Biesterfeld Petroplas warned that any company or individual found handling the stolen resin will be prosecuted.
"Biesterfeld Petroplas is the only authorized distributor for this material in Great Britain. Anyone offered Marlex product from an unauthorized source, or who has knowledge about the theft or whereabouts of the stolen Marlex should report the matter immediately to the police."
The reward will be given for information leading to the recovery of the stolen HDPE. Anyone with information should contact Cheshire police.
The company said it does not expect any disruption to its customers at this stage because supplies are available from other warehouses.
