Scientist working in lab

Major investment sees partner expand operations at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Science and Enterprise Park

Interface Polymers, based at the University’s Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) has secured a £2m investment round led by private capital investment group 24Haymarket to advance its unique Polarfin® copolymer additive technology.

The technology modifies the surface properties of the world’s most commonly used plastics enabling adhesion between otherwise incompatible materials.

Interface Polymers span out of polymer synthesis research at the University of Warwick – where its laboratory operations are based – in 2016. Office headquarters have since been established at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Science and Enterprise Park, to capitalise on the University’s polymer processing expertise.

With strong interest from overseas customers in the packaging, construction and recycling sectors, the nascent business is initially focusing on its range of polyethylene-based additives for use in combination with polar polymers.

Examples of end-use applications under development include an elimination of tie-layers in multi-layer packaging, improving paint adhesion and enabling the recycling of mixed plastic waste.

Commenting on the investment, Phil Smith Chief Executive Officer at Interface Polymers said: “We are delighted to have 24Haymarket and their investors on board. We have a fast-growing queue of customers waiting to trial our Polarfin® additives so this funding will enable us to scale up production and further develop our value propositions across a diverse range of exciting applications.”

He added: “Co-location at the University of Warwick and º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Science and Enterprise Park gives us access to some of the world-class expertise, skills and facilities that we need to realise our plan of becoming leaders in the Polyolefin additives market.”

Jean-Lou Rihon at 24Haymarket said: “This is a first-class management team that we are backing, with in-depth knowledge and outstanding track records in chemicals and other relevant sectors. With the help of the non-executive directors, the business should advance relatively quickly into becoming a provider of high-performance additives to targeted industries.”

For media enquiries or any questions about the investment, please contact:

Phil Smith Interface Polymers Ltd +44(0)1509 635234 

p.smith@interfacepolymers.com

Paul Tselentis 24Haymarket
+44 (0)2038658201

paul@24haymarket.com

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 17/128

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Interface Polymers

Interface Polymers Ltd is a spin-out from the University of Warwick, established in February 2016 to commercialise its Polarfin® plastic additive technology.  Polarfin® additives modify the properties of common plastics enabling them to stick to and mix with other materials. The technology is set to transform the performance and cost competitiveness of polyolefin-based materials across a wide range of market applications in the packaging, construction, agriculture, automotive and recycling sectors. Global sales of polyolefins are over $200 billion per annum and the addressable market for the technology is estimated to be at least $2 billion. The company has benefited from two Innovate UK grants totalling more than £1m and has attracted a total of £2.7m in private equity funding.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ 24Haymarket

24Haymarket is a premium deal-by-deal investment platform focused on high-growth businesses, investing up to £5 million in any particular company. 24Haymarket’s Investor Network includes several highly-experienced private equity and venture capital investors, seasoned entrepreneurs and senior operators. We invest our own capital in direct alignment with entrepreneurs and typically seek board representation to actively support their growth agenda. Since inception in 2011, 24Haymarket has invested in more than 50 high-growth businesses.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ

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