Biffa has announced its merger with Esterform, a manufacturer of PET pre-forms and bottles, consolidating its UK PET recycling operations. This strategic move positions Biffa as a leading player in the UK circular plastics packaging sector, just ahead of the expected launch of the UK's Deposit Return Scheme in 2027. The initiative aims to enhance the recycling rates of PET drink bottles.

Source: InterplasInsights

Biffa's acquisition of Esterform follows an initial investment in the company made in 2023. Esterform operates facilities in West Yorkshire and Worcestershire, where recycled PET pellets are transformed into test tube-shaped pre-forms. These pre-forms are then blow-moulded into bottles suitable for beverages, food, personal care, and household products. Moving forward, both Esterform and Biffa’s existing PET recycling operations will operate under the Esterpet brand as a “wholly owned” business within the Biffa Group, led by Esterform's Founder, Mark Tyne, and his dedicated team.

After making a successful initial investment in Esterform in 2023, we have now completed the acquisition to strengthen our capabilities in closed-loop PET recycling and packaging. Combining Biffa’s PET recycling assets with Esterform’s manufacturing expertise and capabilities creates a sophisticated end-to-end circular PET packaging solutions provider ahead of the introduction of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme.

^{Michael Topham, Chief Executive Officer at Biffa}

This new investment will enhance the company’s capability to provide a circular solution for food and drink manufacturers, aiming to deliver high-quality, food-grade recycled PET, along with pre-form bottles and containers made from materials collected for recycling in the UK.