Sibelco UK Announces 25% Shareholding in Glassflake

Glassflake Ltd., which has more than 30 years of experience in developing glass flake products, has announced that it has joined forces with Sibelco UK Ltd., international supplier of advanced industrial minerals, with Sibelco taking a 25.1% shareholding in Glassflake.

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 utilized as
a market changing substrate for effect pigments that are used in cosmetics,
as well as industrial applications such as automotive paint finishes.

The venture signals the start of a new period of growth for Glassflake’s  products, said Charles Watkinson, Chief Executive at Glassflake. “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,” Watkinson added.