Evonik has invested in Interface Polymers Ltd. through its Sustainability Tech Fund. Interface Polymers is an innovator in polymer additives for the circular economy. The company’s Polarfin® additives simplify the processing of plastics blended with polyethylene and polypropylene. The technology makes it possible to recycle such plastics, solving one of the biggest problems in the recycling process.
As a specialty chemicals company, Evonik is working on solutions for the circular economy on many levels. Polyethylene and polypropylene are versatile and widely used plastics due to their light weight and durability. A disadvantage, however, is their poor compatibility with other materials. Until now, costly and time-consuming surface preparation was the only solution. The unique Polarfin® additive technology developed by Interface Polymers eliminates the need for such preparation. It also significantly reduces the amount of additives required. As a result, mixed plastics are easier to recycle.
In addition to the Sustainability Tech Fund investment, Evonik’s Coating Additives Business Line has agreed a comprehensive development partnership with Interface Polymers to use the technology in paints and coatings.
Ross Baglin, CEO of Interface Polymers, said, “We are delighted to have a world-class company like Evonik as an investor and development partner, and we look forward to making polymers the best environmental solution for so many human needs. Our Polarfin® additive technology modifies and improves the properties of the world’s most widely used plastics. It can solve several important environmental problems associated with their use today.”
Elias Lacerda, head of Evonik’s Coating Additives Business Line, says: “We are impressed by the speed with which Interface Polymers has developed over the past two years. With their help, we aim to reduce or even eliminate intensive surface pretreatment.”
Proventis Partners provided corporate finance advice to Interface Polymer Ltd. through its partnership with Chesilton Group (UK) LLP in connection with the investment by Evonik.
