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Milliken & Company, Spartanburg, S.C., has acquired Germany’s Zebra-chem GmbH), a global chemicals company known for its peroxide and blowing agent masterbatches. This strategic move is very much connected to sustainability and furthering Milliken’s efforts and global reach in that arena.  With more brands and governments globally setting goals to increase their use of recycled materials, plastics manufacturers are faced with the challenges of using recycled plastics effectively. Peroxide masterbatches, like those from Zebra-chem and , make it possible to incorporate up to 100% recycled content into these new plastics.

Zebra-chem carries a well-regarded portfolio of chemical blowing agent and peroxide masterbatches for application in most thermoplastics and engineering plastics. Combining the strengths of Milliken and Zebra-chem reportedly opens up new potential to expand solutions that accelerate and improve plastic recycling. Customers will benefit from enhanced research and development capabilities, shared knowledge, and a broadened product portfolio from trusted, leading manufacturers.

Said Milliken’s president and CEO Halsey Cook, “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. 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.”

Said Wim Van de Velde, Milliken’s v.p. for Europe, Middle East and Africa, “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. Our combined skillsets will facilitate faster and more customized solutions that achieve our customers’ sustainability goals.”