NEWS
US-based Star Plastics acquired by Akoya
US-based supplier of custom engineered com- pounds and speciality products Star Plastics has been acquired by private equity firm Akoya Capital Partners in what is described as “a strategic move to support Star Plastics’ aggressive growth and expansion plans”. Star has three manufac- turing locations: two in Jackson County, West Virginia, and a partnership in China’s Shandong province. It also has a partnership arrangement with Italian compounder Lati. Estab-
lished in December 2020, this allows it to market Lati’s full compound product line in North America. According to Star, the Lati
partnership is not impacted by the change of ownership and is a “perfect example of how we plan on continuing our expansion.”
In addition to its com-
pound product lines, Star Plastics offers toll compound- ing and secondary services and sources and resells a wide range of engineering resins, mainly serving the E&E, communications, and appliance markets.
The Star Plastics name,
brand, and leadership team will remain unchanged. Current Chief Strategic Officer Doug Ritchie remains on the board and keeps a stake in the firm, focusing on strategic growth and future partnerships and acquisitions. Akoya Managing Director Bob May takes on the role of Chairman of the company. He said Star Plastics was “an industry leader…that will serve as the ideal anchor investment for Akoya’s compounds platform.” �
www.starplastics.com
Rowa adds to its Eco range
Germany’s Rowa Group is using recovered carbon black (rCB) and post-industrial recycled PA in its latest sustainable masterbatch offering — Rowalid EcoPA-B095A Black rCB. The masterbatch is aimed at applications in automotive and E&E, engineering, construction, and sports and leisure applications. Rowa says it offers black coloration, UV protection and good opacity. The rCB is obtained through pyrolysis of used
tyres. This typically yields around 33% of crude pyrolysis carbon black, which is then processed and further treated. �
www.rowa-group.com
Nautic invests in Aurora
US-based PVC compound- er Aurora Plastics has been acquired by investment firm Nautic Partners in partner- ship with the company’s existing management team. Headquartered at
Streetsboro in Ohio, Aurora produces PVC and other customised polymer compounds — including TPEs and alloys — for construction, industrial and consumer applications. In addition to its Ohio HQ, the company has facilities in North Carolina, Massa- chusetts and Texas, as well as Quebec in Canada. “Aurora is a leader in its
market and offers its customer base a strong value proposition rooted in engineering and innova- tion, strong customer service, rapid turnaround times, and a focus on highly customised formula- tions with flexible lot sizes,” said Nautic Managing Director Sean Wieland. “We believe the company has significant runway to continue to provide value to its customers in existing and adjacent markets.” �
www.auroraplastics.com
Hexpol extends DryFlex Circular TPEs
Hexpol TPE has expanded its Dryflex Circular TPE range to include grades with recycled content from post-indus- trial sprues and edge trims. The new grades are said to meet the odour and emissions requirements for automotive interiors. According to the company, a
www.compoundingworld.com
representative Dryflex Circular TPE grade — a 65 Shore A material with 20% recyclate content, low (60 µg/g) VOC content and low (594 µg/g) FOG — was tested externally and shown to have almost no odour (grade 2.0 according to VDA 270, B3). The mechanical properties of the material
fulfil automotive requirements. The new grade can also be coloured, the company added. Hexpol said it is now in testing with a major German OEM. Potential applications include inlay mats, cup holders, sealing lips and HVAC parts. �
www.hexpol.com
September 2021 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 7
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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