Biffa merges PET recycling operations with PET bottle manufacturer Esterform
Biffa has completed a transaction to merge its UK PET recycling operations with Esterform – an established UK PET preform and bottle manufacturer. This acquisition creates an end-to-end circular PET packaging business ahead of the 2027 launch of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme which is set to drive an increase in PET drinks bottles available for recycling.
Under the terms of the transaction, Biffa has completed the acquisition of Esterform following an initial investment in 2023.
Esterform’s manufacturing sites in West Yorkshire and Worcestershire take recycled PET pellets to make test preforms which are blow-moulded into bottles and containers for drinks, food, personal care and household products.
Moving forward, Esterform and Biffa’s existing PET recycling operations – which will now trade under the Esterpet brand – will be held as a wholly owned portfolio business within the Biffa Group, led by Esterform’s founder Mark Tyne and his management team.
The business is expected to benefit from investment by Biffa to provide an industry circular solution for food and drink manufacturers, delivering high quality, food grade recycled PET and preforms, bottles and containers from materials collected for recycling in the UK.
Biffa’s long-established HDPE and PP recycling operations at Redcar – including its award-winning, world-first, closed loop recycling solution for HDPE milk bottles – will continue to trade as Biffa Polymers under Managing Director James McLeary.
“After making a successful initial investment in Esterform in 2023, we have now completed the acquisition to strengthen our capabilities in closed-loop PET recycling and packaging. Combining Biffa’s PET recycling assets with Esterform’s manufacturing expertise and capabilities creates a sophisticated end-to-end circular PET packaging solutions provider ahead of the introduction of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme,” said Michael Topham, Chief Executive Officer, Biffa.