Major investment sees partner expand operations at Loughborough University 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 Loughborough University 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 Loughborough University 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
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.
About 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.
Loughborough University
Loughborough University is equipped with a live in-house broadcast unit via the Globelynx network. To arrange an interview with one of our experts please contact the press office on 01509 223491. Bookings can be made online via www.globelynx.com
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines. It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world to study sports-related subjects in the 2017 QS World University Rankings and top in the country for its student experience in the 2016 THE Student Experience Survey.
Loughborough was ranked 6th in the Guardian University League Table 2018 and 10th in The UK Complete University Guide 2018 and was also named Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017. It has been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, which recognises institutions that deliver consistently outstanding teaching that is of the highest quality found in the UK.
Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.
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 Loughborough University 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 Loughborough University 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
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.
About 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.
Loughborough University
Loughborough University is equipped with a live in-house broadcast unit via the Globelynx network. To arrange an interview with one of our experts please contact the press office on 01509 223491. Bookings can be made online via www.globelynx.com
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines. It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world to study sports-related subjects in the 2017 QS World University Rankings and top in the country for its student experience in the 2016 THE Student Experience Survey.
Loughborough was ranked 6th in the Guardian University League Table 2018 and 10th in The UK Complete University Guide 2018 and was also named Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017. It has been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, which recognises institutions that deliver consistently outstanding teaching that is of the highest quality found in the UK.
Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.
