LyondellBasell (LYB) has announced its acquisition of APK AG, located in Merseburg, Germany. With this acquisition, APK will be fully integrated into LYB, a recognized leader in sustainability within the chemical industry. LYB plans to advance APK’s unique solvent-based technology for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and aims to develop commercial plants in the future. This initiative will enable LYB to produce high-purity materials suitable for applications like flexible packaging for personal care products, aligning with the needs of customers and brand owners.
“We are thrilled to finalize the acquisition of APK, a company specializing in solvent-based recycling technology, which secures the future of over a hundred employees and enhances our offerings to help customers achieve their circularity goals,” stated Yvonne van der Laan, LYB’s executive vice president of circular and low carbon solutions. “This technology complements our existing mechanical recycling capabilities and proprietary advanced recycling technology, marking a significant addition to our portfolio as we work towards a circular economy and strive to eliminate plastic waste.”
The completion of the APK acquisition further underscores LYB’s commitment to creating sustainable solutions, following the recent groundbreaking of its first industrial-scale MoReTec plant for catalytic advanced recycling in Wesseling on September 19, attended by German Chancellor Scholz. Through these investments, LYB seeks to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions from both customers and society.
“We are delighted to join LYB. The company offers exceptional expertise, career opportunities, and financial strength to elevate APK to the next level,” said Maik Pusch, former director of corporate development at APK AG and integration lead. “I am confident that this partnership will allow our technology to reach its full potential while securing a promising future for our employees.”
The recycling technology acquired is a unique solvent-based method for processing low-density polyethylene (LDPE). LYB aims to enhance the recycling of hard-to-recycle flexible plastic waste, which currently constitutes a significant portion of mixed plastic waste from the consumer sector. The materials produced will be marketed under LYB’s Circulen portfolio.
In March 2023, LYB unveiled a transformative new strategy focused on positioning the company as an industry leader in sustainability. This strategy includes ambitious plans to provide access to innovative and differentiated technologies, leading to the formation of a dedicated circular and low carbon solutions (CLCS) business. CLCS has commenced significant investments in plastic waste sorting and recycling operations across Europe, the United States, and Asia.
