Sibelco, leader in glass recycling, has completed its purchase of Strategic Materials, Inc. (SMI), one of North America’s largest glass recyclers.
The acquisition positions Sibelco as a key global player in glass recycling, having already established a leading position in Europe. SMI operates 42 sites across North America, processing around 2 million tonnes of cullet (recycled glass) per year. This capacity adds to the 3 million tonnes of cullet Sibelco processes annually at its 24 recycling plants in Belgium, Estonia, France, Italy, Poland and the UK.
Hilmar Rode, CEO of Sibelco, said, “We are delighted to have completed this acquisition. Not only will the integration of SMI enable us to extend our leadership in glass recycling outside Europe, it will also expand Sibelco’s offering in North America beyond our existing high purity quartz business, thereby building a resilient mineral platform at scale.”
SMI employs approximately 800 full-time employees, excluding temporary and contractor workers, at sites in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Its products are used across a range of markets, including container glass, fibreglass insulation, reflective materials, fillers and abrasives.
Chris Dods, SMI President & CEO, commented, “Sibelco understands our business and shares our passion about the key role of glass recycling in a circular economy. The two companies’ combined expertise and resources will create a true market leader poised for further growth.”