The AZEK® Company, the parent company of outdoor living, residential and commercial building product brands announced via press release that it has completed the acquisition of Return Polymers, a PVC recycling and compounding company. With this acquisition, AZEK aims to accelerate sustainability mission by bringing in-house PVC recycling capabilities that will be leveraged by its TimberTech AZEK, AZEK Exteriors, Versatex and Vycom brands and products. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Acquiring Return Polymers reinforces our commitment to manufacturing sustainable, innovative low-maintenance products for customers and consumers,” said Jesse Singh, Chief Executive Officer, AZEK, in the release. “Much like AZEK, Return Polymers has built a stellar reputation through its environmental stewardship, capabilities and certifications as well as its material science expertise.”
Return Polymers, which has operated for 27 years, brings recycled material processing, sourcing, logistical support, and scrap management programs to AZEK’s expanding capabilities. The Ashland, Ohio-based company complements AZEK’s recently opened 100,000 square foot polyethylene recycling facility in Wilmington, Ohio. In 2019, Return Polymers was named the first-ever Vinyl Recycler of the Year by the Vinyl Sustainability Council.
AZEK, a manufacturer of low-maintenance residential and commercial building products, utilizes more than 200 million pounds annually of recycled material in its TimberTech deck boards alone. The acquisition of Return Polymers could allow AZEK to further strengthen its commitment to sustainability in manufacturing by bringing PVC recycling in-house and increasing the recycled material content across multiple product lines.
“This is an opportune moment for both Return Polymers and AZEK,” said David Foell, President of Return Polymers, in the AZEK release. “Over the course of our business together, The AZEK Company has proven itself as an industry-leader in quality, sustainability, and safety – which are precisely our core tenets at Return Polymers. We are excited to join the AZEK family and help contribute to its sustainability mission, while continuing to support our existing customers and partners.” Return Polymers employs a team of approximately 80 people who will become a part of the AZEK portfolio of brands and continue to operate under the company’s reputable name. Foell and the existing management team will continue managing day-to-day operations.
“This is now our third acquisition over the last three years,” said Singh. “As a company, AZEK will continue to identify and strategically invest in products and efficiencies that align with our values and strengthen our growing portfolio.”
