LYB Completes Acquisition of APK, A Solvent-Based Recycling Company

On October 17, 2024, LyondellBasell (LYB) announced that it has acquired full ownership of APK AG, a solvent-based recycling company located in Merseburg, Germany. This acquisition marks a significant step in LYB's commitment to sustainability in the chemical industry, as APK will be fully integrated into LYB's operations. The company aims to further advance APK's unique solvent-based technology for recycling low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and plans to develop commercial plants in the future. This strategic move will enable LYB to produce high-purity materials suitable for applications such as flexible packaging in personal care products, aligning with the growing demands of customers and brand owners.

Yvonne van der Laan, LYB's Executive Vice President of Circular and Low Carbon Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are excited to complete the acquisition of solvent-based recycling technology company APK, securing the future of more than a hundred employees and adding another solution for our customers to meet their circularity ambitions and goals.” She highlighted that this technology complements LYB's existing mechanical recycling processes and proprietary advanced recycling technologies, viewing it as a vital enhancement to their portfolio in the pursuit of a circular economy aimed at reducing plastic waste.

The closing of the APK acquisition further underscores LYB’s commitment to creating sustainable solutions. This follows the recent laying of the foundation stone for LYB’s first industrial-scale MoReTec plant for catalytic advanced recycling in Wesseling, an event attended by German Chancellor Scholz on September 19. These investments reflect LYB’s proactive approach to meeting the increasing demand for sustainable solutions from both customers and society at large.

Maik Pusch, former director of corporate development at APK AG and integration lead, shared his optimism about joining LYB, noting the company's expertise, career opportunities, and financial strength that will elevate APK to new heights. He believes this merger will help unlock the full potential of their technology while ensuring a bright future for employees.

The acquisition will focus on recycling hard-to-recycle flexible plastic waste, which currently represents a significant portion of mixed plastic waste generated by consumers. The materials produced from this process will be marketed under LYB's Circulen portfolio. In March 2023, LYB unveiled a new strategic direction aimed at positioning itself as a leader in sustainability, emphasizing the importance of innovative technologies. The company has established a dedicated Circular and Low Carbon Solutions (CLCS) business unit, which is already making substantial investments in plastic waste sorting and recycling initiatives across Europe, the United States, and Asia.