DOWNERS GROVE, IL/ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS, UK – Univar Inc. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Univar Ltd., has acquired all of the outstanding stock of Polymer Technologies Ltd., a UK-based developer and distributor of unique UV/EB curable chemistries used to formulate environmentally responsible paints, inks and adhesives.

Founded in 2001, Polymer Technologies offers unique UV/EB curable oligomers and monomers that deliver specific performance benefits in a diverse range of applications including printing inks, wood coatings, plastic finishes, laminates, overprint varnishes and adhesives. The company also serves as the sole UK distributor for Asia’s largest manufacturer of UV/EB curable products, and provides a comprehensive range of high-quality and high-purity reactive diluents and oligomers.

“The acquisition of Polymer Technologies enhances our existing offering to several end markets with unique chemistries that enable formulation of environmentally friendly products where solvent-based systems are currently used,” said David Jukes, President, Univar EMEA, Latin America and Asia. “We look forward to building on the solid reputation that Polymer Technologies has earned in the market by leveraging the Univar network to safely deliver the specialty products that enable UV/EB technology to be used in areas that would never have been considered a few years ago.”

“As technology continues to develop, radiation curing is likely to be used in more and more applications,” said Dr. Glenn McAuliffe, Director, Polymer Technologies. “When we explored further opportunities to increase the availability of our branded and imported products to both new and existing markets, Univar was the right fit for our suppliers and customers. With a global reach, local service delivery and deep technical expertise, we are confident that Univar will continue to help develop the future of the radiation curing market and build on the legacy of Polymer Technologies.”