UBQ Materials launches waste-based plastic alternative to tackle supply chain, waste crises

NETHERLANDS – UBQ Materials, a climate-tech company, has launched its latest innovation, UBQ Masterbatch, a waste-based plastic alternative designed to revolutionize manufacturing, reduce landfill dependency, and stabilize supply chains amid pressure from global market volatility and environmental regulations.

The new product line emerges amid a significant increase in municipal waste incineration in Europe, which has nearly doubled from 30 million tonnes in 1995 to 59 million tonnes in 2022.

UBQ Materials offers a bold alternative: converting unsorted household waste, including organics and hard-to-recycle materials, into a fully functional plastic substitute.

This solution addresses the dual challenges of waste management and raw material scarcity, offering manufacturers a circular, climate-positive material that integrates seamlessly into existing production lines.

“We’re turning the world’s most difficult waste into a manufacturing advantage,” said Albert Douer, Chairman and CEO of UBQ Materials.

“UBQ Masterbatch replaces oil-based resins with a sustainable alternative made entirely from household waste. This isn’t just about sustainability, it’s smart sourcing. Manufacturers can now stop relying on virgin materials when waste can deliver the same, if not better, performance.”

UBQ Masterbatch is suitable for a wide range of applications, including consumer goods, automotive components, building materials, and packaging.

It is compatible with various polymers and ideal for injection molding, offering manufacturers a cost-competitive, easy-to-handle, and low-carbon alternative.

With its negative carbon footprint and excellent material performance, UBQ positions itself as a viable and scalable solution in an increasingly regulated and resource-strained environment.

The company currently operates a production facility in Europe and plans to open a U.S. plant soon to meet rising demand. UBQ is already being used by global brands such as Mercedes-Benz, PepsiCo, and McDonald’s to enhance the sustainability of their product lines.

Long-time collaborators, such as Crescent Garden, have integrated UBQ into flowerpots and outdoor products sold across Europe, the U.S., and Latin America.

Backed by a strong advisory board that includes former U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and former EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard, UBQ Materials is actively shaping the future of sustainable supply chains.

The company also received a €5 million grant from the European Commission’s Just Transition Fund to accelerate the commercialization of solutions like Masterbatch.

By converting up to 95% of landfill-bound household waste into useful plastic alternatives, UBQ Materials not only reduces emissions and waste but also offers a transformative solution to manufacturers seeking resilient, circular, and future-proof material options.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE