15th March 2015
Glassflake Ltd, the company with over 30 years’ experience in developing innovative glass flake products, is delighted to announce that it has joined forces with Sibelco UK Ltd, international supplier of advanced industrial minerals, with Sibelco taking a 25.1% shareholding in Glassflake.
The move will see both businesses working together, to further develop glass flake technology, in particular converting this work to commercial products and scalable manufacturing.
Glassflake Ltd manufactures and supplies functional products globally to the coatings, pigments and polymer sectors. These products consist of micro-sized glass flakes, ranging from 7 microns in thickness to an industry leading, incredibly thin 100 nanometers. The Leeds-based company’s novel manufacturing technique ensures consistency of flake, resulting in improved properties including mechanical, chemical, UV light and permeation resistance. Glassflake are recognised for enhancing product performance in a wide variety of materials – an accolade they hold in high regard. This has seen them form interests in highly technical applications, from improving tyre performance to enhancing fire resistance in aircraft carpets. Glassflake is also utilised as a market changing substrate for effect pigments that are used in cosmetics, as well as industrial applications such as automotive paint finishes.
Sibelco, has 214 operational sites in 43 countries across the world. They supply minerals to a diverse range of customers in glass, ceramics, construction, engineering, metallurgical casting, oil/gas recovery and environmental protection. Sibelco recognised the innovative technology, processes and market potential of Glassflake’s products, including the effect pigments brand, Moonshine®.
The venture signals the start of a new period of growth for Glassflake’s innovative products. Charles Watkinson, Chief Executive at Glassflake said: “Our glass flakes set the benchmark, our technique in creating them improves performance – that is a fact and we are delighted to have the support of Sibelco sharing our vision in research, development and taking product to market.”
