Milliken & Co. acquires Zebra-chem

Milliken & Co., Spartanburg, South Carolina, has acquired Zebra-chem GmbH, a global chemicals company headquartered in Bad Bentheim, Germany, that is known for its peroxide and blowing agent masterbatches that allow for manufacturers to incorporate up to 100-percent-postconsumer resin (PCR) into new products.   

“Milliken’s long-term focus on innovation and sustainability encourages us to consider how we contribute to some of today’s leading challenges, like how to effectively incorporate recycled plastics in manufacturing,” says Halsey Cook, Milliken & Co. president and CEO. “I’m excited to welcome the exceptional talent within Zebra-chem as they join the passionate team at Milliken to move the needle on sustainable innovation.”   

Zebra-chem’s portfolio of chemical blowing agent and peroxide masterbatches can be used in most thermoplastics and engineering plastics, including polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene.

“Zebra-chem’s leading position in Europe allows Milliken to leverage its congruent innovation platforms, global presence and commercial expertise to accelerate market solutions that improve and increase manufacturing with recycled plastics,” says Wim Van de Velde, vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, for Milliken’s Chemical Division. “Our combined skillsets will facilitate faster and more customized solutions that achieve our customers’ sustainability goals.”

Combining the strengths of Milliken and Zebra-chem opens up new potential to expand solutions that accelerate and improve plastic recycling, Milliken says. Customers will benefit from enhanced research and development capabilities, shared knowledge and a broadened product portfolio from trusted, leading manufacturers.

As Zebra-chem integrates into Milliken, daily operations will continue without interruption, including relationships with existing suppliers and customers, Milliken adds.