Additives supplier Milliken & Co. has acquired German compounder and concentrates maker Zebra-chem GmbH for an undisclosed price.
In a March 1 news release, officials with Milliken in Spartanburg, S.C., said Zebra-chem is known for its peroxide and blowing agent masterbatches, and that the deal will increase their firm's presence in recycling markets.
"With more brands and governments globally setting goals to increase their use of recycled materials, plastics manufacturers are faced with the challenges of using recycled plastics effectively," they added. "Peroxide masterbatches, like those from Zebra-chem and Milliken, make it possible to incorporate up to 100 percent recycled content into these new plastics."
Milliken President and CEO Halsey Cook added that his firm's long-term focus on innovation and sustainability "encourages us to consider how we contribute to some of today's leading challenges, like how to effectively incorporate recycled plastics in manufacturing."
Zebra-chem is located in Bad Bentheim, Germany. The firm's products are used in PVC, polyolefins and engineering resins.
Milliken Vice President Wim Van de Velde said that Zebra-chem's "leading position in Europe allows Milliken … to accelerate market solutions that improve and increase manufacturing with recycled plastics."
Officials added that as Zebra-chem integrates into Milliken, daily operations will continue without interruption, including relationships with existing suppliers and customers.
Milliken is one of the world's largest privately held chemicals and textiles makers, with more than 7,000 employees worldwide.