UBE Europe Acquires Spanish Recycled Plastics Manufacturer Paulowsky

Based in Valencia, Spain, Paulowsky uses the latest technology to manufacture high quality recycled plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) with cumulated experiences and know-how; moreover, the plastics are certified by third-party organizations such as RecyClass¹. Paulowsky's recycled plastics are among the highest quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) products in Europe, and it is widely used in industry and consumers.

In Europe, due to the new recycling-related regulations such as the European Directive 2019/904², the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)³, and the European Directive 2000/53/EC⁴ on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), the demand for recycled plastic materials is increasing in various fields.

UCE produces plastic used in a variety of fields such as packaging materials, mobility, fishing, and agriculture, and receives high commendation from users for its quality and processability properties. In response to market demand and future environmental regulations, UCE aims to promote circular economy initiatives and create new growth opportunities. In April 2019, UCE acquired the Spanish compound manufacturer Repol S.L.U. and working to strengthen our compound technology and product development capabilities. Also, they proceed with product developments by utilizing Paulowsky's recycled plastic so that maximizing synergies from acquisitions.

The UBE Group is engaged in a variety of initiatives to achieve its sustainability goals. They will promote initiatives to address global environmental issues, such as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making effective use of recycled and bio-based materials to create a recycling-oriented society, and reducing water consumption to improve the natural environment.

1. RecyClass is a certification and assessment program that evaluates the recyclability of plastic packaging and materials, providing guidelines to improve their environmental sustainability.
2. The European Directive 2019/904 aims to reduce the environmental impact of certain plastic products, banning specific single-use plastic packaging from January 1, 2030.
3. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to set packaging reduction targets gradually increasing from 2030 to 2040, requiring EU countries to significantly reduce plastic packaging waste and set mandatory recycled content targets in packaging products by 2030.
4. The European Directive 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) has been revised by the new proposal for a Regulation for ELVs, and it mandates measures to prevent and limit waste from end-of-life vehicles and their components through reuse, recycling, and recovery, adding the new proposal mandatory recycled content targets on the automotive sector.

Source: UBE Corporation