Milliken & Company announced it has formally acquired Zebra-chem GmbH, a global chemicals company known for its peroxide and blowing agent masterbatches that facilitate the incorporation of up to 100 percent recycled content into new plastics.

“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,” said Halsey Cook, Milliken & Company 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.”

Headquartered in Bad Bentheim, Germany, Zebra-chem has a portfolio of chemical blowing agent and peroxide masterbatches that can be used for application in most thermoplastics and engineering plastics.

“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,” said 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 said 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, the company added.