Recycling expert’s European push

One of the UK’s fastest-growing independent recycling and resource recovery businesses has made its first acquisition on mainland Europe.

Mulberry Waste Holdings, headquartered in Leyland, has bought Ecobat Solutions Europe in a move it describes as a “significant milestone” in the company’s long-term growth strategy.

The business it has acquired operates specialist battery recycling facilities in Germany. No figure has been put on the deal.

Mulberry director Hassanali Isaji said: “This acquisition represents another important milestone in Mulberry’s journey.

“We have built our business by investing in quality operations, talented people and long-term customer relationships, and Ecobat Solutions Europe is an excellent strategic fit.

“Germany is one of Europe’s most important recycling markets and this acquisition provides a strong platform for further growth across the continent.”

The deal follows Mulberry’s acquisition of Ecobat's UK recycling operations, based in Walsall in the west midlands, for an undisclosed sum in May this year.

That move accelerated the Lancashire company’s expansion into the fast-growing lithium-ion battery recycling market.

Mulberry, based on the Moss Side Industrial Estate in Leyland, was founded in 1993 by Hassan Isaji and it has grown into a multi-site operator with facilities in Ormskirk, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. 

The company says that demand for battery recycling is continuing to grow as electrification accelerates across Europe and the need for secure, sustainable sources of critical raw materials is becoming increasingly important.

In a statement announcing the German deal it said: “By combining the expertise of both organisations, Mulberry will strengthen its ability to support manufacturers, industrial customers and waste management partners with innovative recycling solutions while contributing to Europe’s transition towards a more circular economy.”