Jan- Philipp Pfander
Proventis Partners
Interface Polymers was established in 2016 to commercialise inventions made in the Department
of Chemistry at the University of Warwick in Coventry (UK). A core competency of this company
is the use of its Polarfin® technology to make the surface of polyolefins compatible with other
materials. Diblock copolymers combine polyethylene and polypropylene with polar materials to
improve their compatibility with metals, ceramics, and other plastics. This offers advantages in
recycling of mixed plastics, adhesion of paints inks and glues to plastic surfaces, and dispersion
of materials within moulded plastics. For further information, please visit https://interfacepolymers.com
Evonik through its Sustainability Tech Fund has invested in Interface Polymers Ltd. The compa-ny’s Polarfin® additives simplify the processing of plastics mixed with polyethylene and polypro-pylene. It’s technology makes it possible to recycle such plastics, thereby solving one of the big-gest problems in the recycling process.
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 commonly used plastics. It can solve several key environmental challenges with their use today”.
As a specialty chemicals company, Evonik is working on solutions for the circular economy at many levels. Polyethylene and polypropylene are versatile and widely used plastics because of their low weight and durability. However, their poor compatibility with other materials is a draw-back. So far, costly and time-consuming surface preparation was the only solution. The unique Polarfin® additive technology developed by Interface Polymers makes such preparation unnec-essary. Moreover, it greatly reduces the amount of additives needed. As a result, mixed plastics are easier to recycle.
In addition to the investment by the Sustainability Tech Fund, Evonik’s Coating Additives busi-ness line has agreed an extensive development partnership with Interface Polymers with the aim of using its technology in paints and coatings. Elias Lacerda, head of Evonik’s Coating Additives business line: “We are impressed by the speed with which Interface Polymers has developed in the past two years. With its help, we want to reduce or even eliminate the intensive pretreatment of surfaces.”
Proventis Partners through its partnership with Chesilton Group (UK) LLP provided corporate finance advice to Interface Polymer Ltd in connection with the investment by Evonik.
Responsible Partner: Dr. Jan-Philipp (JP) Pfander.