Chemical group LyondellBasell (LYB) has completed its acquisition of German plastics recycler APK AG. Merseburg-based APK will be fully integrated into LYB and continue operations as part of the group, thus securing the expertise and future of more than 100 employees, the new owner said. LYB had announced in August it would fully acquire APK, which was in the midst of self-managed insolvency proceedings at the time.
The legal entity APK AG has now been dissolved and the business will operate under the name LYB Solvent Recycling GmbH, with Gilbert Janssen and Wolfgang Klemmer as managing directors.
LYB aims to further develop the company’s solvent-based technology for low density polyethylene (LDPE) and bring it to commercial scale. "This will enable LYB to produce new high-purity materials that can be used in applications like flexible packaging for personal care products, meeting the demands of customers and brand owners," the Dutch chemical company said in a press release.
"We are excited to complete the acquisition of solvent-based recycling technology company APK, securing the future of more than a hundred employees and adding another solution for our customers to meet their circularity ambitions and goals," commented Yvonne van der Laan, LYB’s executive vice president of circular and low carbon solutions. She added: "This technology complements our excellent mechanical recycling technology, as well as our proprietary advanced recycling technology. We see this as a crucial addition to our portfolio on our journey to a circular economy, helping end plastic waste." APK itself had recently mentioned having 200 employees.
On 19 September, the chemicals group held a foundation stone-laying ceremony attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for its first industrial-scale MoReTec plant for catalytic recycling of plastics in Wesseling, near Cologne.
Maik Pusch, former director of corporate development at APK AG and integration lead, commented: “We are incredibly pleased to be part of LYB. LYB offers great expertise, career opportunities and financial strength to lift the company to the next level. I am convinced this combination will help our technology reach its full potential, as well as securing a promising future for our employees."
The technology developed by APK recycles post-consumer mixed LDPE scrap film using solvents. New plastics produced with this recycled material will be marketed under LYB’s Circulen portfolio.
