PETpla.net Insider 01+02 / 2018

PET news 6 NEWS PET planet Insider Vol. 19 No. 01+02/18 www.petpla.net PET collection and recycling rates in Europe increased in 2016 Out of 3.147.000 tonnes of PET bottles and containers placed in the European market in 2016, a remarkable number of 59.8% - in total 1,880,900 tonnes - were collected and of these 1,773,200 tonnes were mechanically recycled. These conclusions come from the annual PCI Wood Mackenzie PET recycle survey for Western Europe in 2016, commissioned by Petcore Europe. It shows that the collection rates increased by 7.4%, while the recycling rates also grew by 7.3%. In 2016, that resulted in 129,400 tonnes more collected and 120,000 tonnes more recycled PET compared to 2014. “These PET collection and recycling rates are unreached in the plastics packaging industry while it is worth mentioning that PET recyclers still have unexploited capacities for recy- cling,” states Paola Arlotti from Equipolymers, Petcore Europe President. “The figures clearly outline the crucial role of PET in a Circular Economy and for reaching the plastics recycling targets currently discussed on EU level.” When it comes to more country specific figures, the survey reveals that the combined volumes reported for France, Ger- many and Italy represent 47.9% of the total volume collected in the region, continuing the gradual decline in the top three’s share (48.5% in 2014 and 53.3% in 2011). These three larg- est countries in terms of collection volumes are now joined by two other countries that contribute a significant proportion of the regional total, namely Spain and the UK. The combined total share of these five countries in the overall EU collec- tion accounts for 70.9%. The survey outlines a slightly more positive picture on the clear bottles amount compared to the previous years. Clear bottles accounted for 17.3% of the complete stream revealing an increase of 2.1% on the 2014 share and the first increase in share in five years. “This is an encouraging sign for recyclers and hopefully this increased share is set to continue,” outlines Christian Crepet, Petcore Europe Executive Director. “However, the quality of bales with additionally a total share of 26.4% clear/light blue bottles, 25.5% mixed colours including green/brown bottles, and 30.8% of unspecified mixed colours clearly continues to challenge the recycling industry. Therefore, we believe that there is a vital need for a detailed analysis of the unspecified waste stream which will be part of the 2018 study commis- sioned by Petcore Europe.” “As regards the quality of the bales, a shift to more high- quality markets also requires a stable and high level sorted input,” states Casper van den Dungen, Petcore Europe Vice- President. “The survey confirms an increased waste ratio at the recycling stage. Therefore, efficiency increase in collection and sorting is needed and would also contribute to the cost reduction of the total system in the long term.” With 38% the major market for rPET in 2016 remained sheet, followed by blow-moulding applications with 26% and fibres with 24%. The remaining just over 11% are used for strapping and other applications. www.petcore-europe.org Platinum Equity to acquire Husky International Platinum Equity announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Husky Injection Molding Systems from Berkshire Partners and OMERS Private Equity for $3.85 bil- lion. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2018. John Galt, who has served as Husky CEO since 2005, is staying on to lead the business. He and other members of Husky’s management team will remain substantial investors in the company. Over the last several years, Husky has worked with its investors to successfully advance state- of-the-art manufacturing equipment, which it delivers to its wide range of customers in various end-markets across the globe. Berkshire Partners LLC and Omers acquired Husky in June of 2011. Demand for Husky’s products and services is primarily driven by growth in the beverage packaging segment, as well as in plastics consumables. Husky is a global enterprise with approximately 75% of its sales generated outside North America. In addition to complete injection moulding solutions, Husky provides aftermarket services and parts to a large and growing installed base of systems globally. “In Platinum, Husky has found a partner that brings a wealth of experience, a highly capable team, and a shared enthusiasm for building great companies. I am confident that by working together we will find new and exciting ways to serve our customers,” said John Galt, Husky’s President and CEO. www.husky.co GEA closes acquisition of Vipoll GEA completed the acquisition of Vipoll, headquartered in Križevci pri Ljutomeru, Slovenia, which was signed in November 2017. With the acquisition, GEA has added to its group a manufacturer of filling technologies for soft drinks, beer and fresh milk products into glass bottles and cans, as well as PET bottles. “This acquisition will support our position as a leading global supplier of complete solutions for the beverage industry. The complementarity to our products provides an excellent oppor- tunity to fill a white spot”, explained Jürg Oleas, CEO of GEA. Vipoll employs more than 100 employees. In 2016, it generated sales of approximately EUR 20 million. Both com- panies have agreed to keep the purchase price confidential. Vipoll adds filling and bottling equipment, container con- veyors and comprehensive engineering solutions for low and mid speed lines to GEA’s downstream process chain competencies. Vipoll’s customers are mainly in Europe which should lead to sales synergies from marketing its technology globally and increasing the share of services through GEA’s existing sales & service network. www.gea.com