M&As: Teknor Apex buys Danimer Scientific to expand sustainable materials portfolio; Synthomer completes divestment of inorganic chemistry biz
US-based materials firm Teknor Apex has acquired Danimer Scientific, a bioplastics company focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials. Headquartered in Bainbridge, Georgia, US, Danimer operates two facilities with over 200,000 total sq ft of laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and testing space. Terms were not disclosed.
For more than a decade, Danimer’s renewable and sustainable biopolymers have helped create biodegradable and compostable plastic products. Applications for its biopolymers include additives, aqueous coatings, fibers, films, hot-melt adhesives, and injection-molded articles for single-use, everyday products such as straws, cutlery, and packaging.
The company holds more than 480 granted patents and pending patent applications in more than 20 countries for a range of manufacturing processes and biopolymer formulations. With Teknor Apex as its foundation for future growth, this brings strengthened confidence to the PHA market, and to Danimer’s partners and stakeholders, the companies say. Danimer will continue to operate as a separate, dedicated entity under its own name.
“Danimer’s patented fermentation-based biopolymer manufacturing process enhances our product portfolio, allowing us to leverage opportunities in new markets with new end-market applications,” said Don Wiseman, CEO at Teknor Apex. “The company’s expertise in biopolymer resins, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polylactic acid (PLA), as well as its custom formulation know-how, makes it a valuable partner in our mission to advance environmentally responsible alternatives to conventional polymers.”
With this acquisition, Teknor Apex accelerates its momentum in delivering a diverse portfolio of sustainable solutions, including recycled content, bio-based materials, and climate-positive additives.
In other news, UK-headquartered polymer firm Synthomer has completed its divestment of William Blythe Limited, its inorganic chemistry business, to its management team alongside H2 Equity Partners, for consideration of £30 million.
Founded in 1845, William Blythe has pioneered the development and use of inorganic derivatives of elements such as tin, iodine, copper, zinc and tungsten for demanding applications in markets including life sciences, performance coatings, polymers, electronics, catalysts and renewable energy for 180 years.
The business has approximately 85 employees based at its UK manufacturing site in Accrington, Lancashire. William Blythe is part of Synthomer's Health & Protection and Performance Materials division and was designated as non-core to the group as part of the strategic review announced in October 2022.
In the year ended 31 December 2024, William Blythe generated sales of £54 million and stand-alone adjusted EBITDA of £4 million. The net proceeds will be used to reduce group net debt.
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