North Yorkshire-based PET recycler Esterpet has been acquired by Biffa.
From its 25,000 tonnes per year facility near Leeds, Esterpet converts plastic flakes generated from bottles into high-purity plastic pellets.
These pellets are then made to manufacture new PET bottles.
The acquisition of Esterpet adds to Biffa Polymers’ plastic recycling capabilities with its plants in Seaham, Redcar and Washington which between them recycle 165,000 tonnes of plastics.
Alongside the acquisition, Biffa has made a minority investment in its sister company Esterform, which makes PET preforms. Biffa and Esterform will work together to help deliver a circular economy for plastic packaging.
Biffa Polymers managing director Phil Goodier said: “At Biffa, we are dedicated to playing our part in delivering a net zero, circular economy and it is vital that we continue to develop and invest in recycling infrastructure which can reduce the UK’s dependency on the export of plastics for recycling.
“Biffa Polymers provides solutions for the majority of post-consumer rigid plastic packaging, using the best available recycling technology to produce raw materials that are a substitute for virgin plastic packaging.
“The acquisition of Esterpet is another step forward for the business, further enhancing our capability in recycled PET at a time when demand for our solutions is growing significantly, as consumers and regulators demand more sustainable alternatives.”
