LEEDS, UK - Glassflake Ltd., a developer of glass flake products, announced that Sibelco UK Ltd., an international supplier of advanced industrial minerals, has taken a 25.1% shareholding in Glassflake. Both businesses will work together to further develop glass flake technology, in particular developing commercial products and scalable manufacturing.

Glassflake Ltd., Leeds, UK, 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 a very thin 100 nanometers. The company’s novel manufacturing technique ensures consistency of flake, resulting in improved properties including mechanical, chemical, UV light and permeation resistance.

Sibelco has 214 operational sites in 43 countries across the world. The company supplies minerals to a diverse range of customers in glass, ceramics, construction, engineering, metallurgical casting, oil and gas recovery, and environmental protection.

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