M&As: Braskem invests in Nexus Circular; Vertellus acquires Polyscope Polymers

Brazil’s Braskem, the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas, as well as a market leader and pioneer producer of biopolymers on an industrial scale, has invested in Nexus Circular, a commercial leader in advanced recycling that converts landfill-bound plastics into circular feedstocks used in the production of sustainable virgin plastics. Terms were not disclosed.

Using a proprietary advanced recycling technology, Nexus converts a range of hard-to-recycle plastics especially landfill bound plastic films into its circular feedstocks which can then be converted back into virgin plastics (fully circular). Nexus has optimised the technology to create what it says is “a highly efficient and economic system providing cost-effective, superior quality and environmentally friendly products for its partners and customers”.

Mark Nikolich, CEO, Braskem America, stated, "At Braskem we have a clear, long-term vision which is committed to a Carbon Neutral Circular Economy where nothing is wasted, and everything is transformed. A critical element of achieving this vision is investing in pathways that advance the circular conversion of hard-to-recycle plastic waste to valuable new materials, diverting it from landfills and improving our environmental footprint. Nexus shares our vision for accelerating the commercialisation of advanced recycling with their own proprietary innovations and we couldn't be more excited to be a new investor in their journey."

Eric Hartz, President/Co-Founder at Nexus Circular said, "We are so pleased to have Braskem join Nexus' advanced recycling endeavors and receive their support to accelerate our impact and growth worldwide."

The investment in Nexus is one component of Braskem's strategy to drive plastics circularity, which includes projects aimed at recycling infrastructure, mechanical recycling, and advanced recycling – all of which are critical to meeting Braskem's and its clients' ESG commitments in the years to come. In addition to the expansion of Braskem's recycled product portfolio in 2021, Braskem is also a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, The Recycling Partnership's Polypropylene Recycling Coalition and Cyclyx.

In other news, Vertellus, a manufacturer of specialty materials for various personal care, performance coatings, polymer additives, healthcare and food & beverage markets, has acquired Polyscope Polymers B.V, a Dutch supplier of specialty additives for coatings, electronics applications and engineering polymers. With the addition of Polyscope’s complementary product portfolio and advanced manufacturing capabilities, Vertellus expands its European production capabilities and extends its reach in high-growth end markets, it adds. Terms were not disclosed.

Polyscope produces styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymers necessary for product applications across the electronic, automotive and specialty coatings & ink markets. It operates a production facility strategically located in Geleen, The Netherlands, and serves as a key partner to more than 300 customers across over 35 countries.

John Van Hulle, CEO of Vertellus, said, “Polyscope adds a complementary portfolio of high-quality solutions, a track record of innovation and a world-class global platform in attractive end markets to Vertellus. Together we will serve our customers with a unique product offering and our shared value-driven approach. I am pleased to welcome the Polyscope team to Vertellus.”

Patrick Muezers, Polyscope CEO, said, “Vertellus is the ideal partner to support the company’s next phase of growth and innovation. We will be able to leverage Vertellus’ global resources, capabilities and strong market leadership to better serve our customers and bring our high-quality products to additional customers throughout our markets.”

Indianapolis-based Vertellus is owned by private equity firm Pritzker Private Capital and management.

(PRA)

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