The deal, which includes the acquisition of Esterform, follows Biffa’s initial minority investment in Esterform in 2023.
Biffa said that it aims to create an end-to-end PET packaging business ahead of the 2027 launch of the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which is expected to increase the volume of PET drinks bottles available for recycling.
Michael Topham, Biffa’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “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.”
Merged PET operations to trade under ‘Esterpet’
Esterform, founded by Mark Tyne, operates manufacturing sites in West Yorkshire and Worcestershire.
The company produces PET pre-forms which are subsequently blow-moulded into bottles and containers for a range of sectors including food, drink, personal care and household products.
The new combined business will trade under the Esterpet brand and will operate as a wholly owned portfolio company within the Biffa Group, with Tyne and his existing management team continuing to lead the business.
Tyne added: “This marks an exciting new chapter for Esterform. Becoming a wholly owned part of the Biffa Group allows us to accelerate our vision of delivering high-quality, circular PET packaging solutions for the UK market.
“With continued investment and support from Biffa, we’re well-positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging ahead of the DRS, while maintaining the expertise and agility that our customers value.”
Biffa expands plastics recycling
Biffa said the merged operations will benefit from further investment to expand the supply of high-quality, food-grade recycled PET (rPET), helping to meet demand from brands and manufacturers seeking closed-loop packaging solutions.
The company will continue to operate its long-standing HDPE and polypropylene (PP) recycling facilities at Redcar under the Biffa Polymers brand, led by managing director James McLeary.
This includes the group’s closed-loop HDPE milk bottle recycling system, which supplies food-grade recycled content back into the UK dairy sector.
DRS to come in effect in 2027
DRS legislation came into force in England and Northern Ireland in January 2025, with the scheme expected to officially launch in October 2027.
The scheme will apply to 150ml to three-litre single-use drinks containers made from plastic and metal.
Across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, consumers buy an estimated 30 billion single-use drinks containers each year – including 12 billion plastic drinks bottles and 13 billion drinks cans.
An estimated 6.5 billion go to incineration or landfill rather than being recycled.
UK plastics market
The acquisition comes at a turbulent time for the plastics industry, with multiple plant closures this year.
PET prices have fallen further in September, following an abundance on the market over the summer.
The market for processed PET has also been impacted by cheap imports from Asia – a situation exacerbated by the indirect impact of Trump’s tariffs which are seeing material previously destined for the USA being diverted to Europe.
Find out more about the plastics market in our September 2025 market report.
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