Vanden Recycling has announced the planned closure of its UK plastic reprocessing facility, marking a strategic move to accelerate global growth and strengthen its role as a trusted technical partner in recycled plastic feedstock acquisition.
The UK facility, which accounted for less than 10% of Vanden’s global operations, supported early growth in the region. However, following sustained international expansion and increased demand from manufacturers and converters for tailored feedstock solutions, Vanden is repositioning to better serve its global client base.
“The processing facility has been a small but important part of our operations,” said the UK Managing Director, Kevin Thompson. “However, it does not offer the opportunity to scale in line with our strategic objectives. By redirecting resources to our core trading business, we can concentrate on the areas that offer the greatest growth potential and provide improved service to our key clients.”
Enabling High-Performance, Circular Supply Chains
Over the past 18 months, Vanden has expanded its regional teams, and built a business model focused on aligning supply and demand for recycled plastics. The company now plays a key role in helping manufacturers and converters access reliable, specification-matched PCR feedstock across core materials including PET, PP, and HDPE.
Working with every part of the value chain - from collectors and sorters to reprocessors and end users - Vanden delivers a one-stop solution for clients seeking quality, consistency, and continuity in their recycled plastic inputs.
“Our clients are under pressure to maintain performance, meet sustainability goals, and secure supply in an unpredictable landscape,” said Director Damien van Leuven. “Our job is to simplify that process by delivering technically suitable, commercially viable feedstock solutions that work for them, now and into the future.”
Science-Backed Innovation and Technical Matching
Vanden combines material science, hands-on application knowledge, and global sourcing networks to meet the precise needs of manufacturers and converters. Earlier this year, the company announced a partnership with the University of Oxford to co-develop plastic sorting technologies that improve recyclability and system efficiency.
This scientific approach allows Vanden to go beyond brokering material, providing technical validation, tailored analysis, and reliable guidance on how to achieve the best outcomes from recycled inputs.
Built Around the Client
As the recycling landscape becomes more complex, Vanden’s model is intentionally built to reduce friction and unlock value for both suppliers and buyers. With dedicated logistics and support teams, Vanden ensures that materials are moved efficiently, transparently, and to the standards required by manufacturers, converters and brand owners alike.
From managing fluctuating demand to matching technical specifications and supporting long-term supply planning, Vanden acts as a bridge between waste and manufacturing - streamlining procurement and helping clients scale their use of recycled content with confidence.
“We are building a customer-first business that solves real challenges,” added van Leuven. “It’s about more than sourcing plastic - it’s about building long-term supply partnerships that are efficient, sustainable, and technically sound.”
Looking Ahead
Vanden’s strategy has included expanding its capabilities in advanced recycling feedstock supply, a move that will further enhance its ability to serve clients requiring specific recycled content for advanced manufacturing applications.
With a global presence and local expertise, Vanden is well-positioned to support brands in creating circular supply chains that are resilient, scalable, and aligned with performance and sustainability goals.