Ecopol, a leading developer and producer of innovative biodegradable films and delivery systems, completed a strategic investment in JRF Technology, a leading water-soluble polymer and edible film technology developer.
WHO: Founded in 2007, JRF is an innovation and R&D organization focused exclusively on water-soluble polymer technology. From its state-of-the-art GMP laboratory in Tampa, Florida, it provides innovation services to consumer goods companies and innovative start-ups with unique expertise in polymer formulation, product development, and technology transfer, from the R&D lab to commercial-scale production. JRF is led by co-founders James Rossman and Richard Fielder, who combined have over eight decades of experience in water-soluble films and polymers as inventors, innovators, and business leaders.
Ecopol is a leading global producer of water-soluble and biodegradable films and delivery systems. Its innovative solutions for unit-dose applications allow brands to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and water and virgin plastic usage throughout their supply chains. Headquartered in Tuscany, Ecopol operates production campuses in Italy and the United States.
SK Capital is a private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the specialty materials, ingredients, and life sciences sectors. SK Capital’s portfolio of businesses generates revenues of approximately $15 billion annually, employs more than 25,000 people globally, and operates more than 200 plants in over 30 countries. The firm currently has roughly $7.9 billion in assets under management.
WHY: JRF represents the latest in a series of global investments by Ecopol to expand its capacity and capabilities.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “Our strategic investment in JRF aligns well with Ecopol’s strategy to accelerate the development of the next generation of sustainable delivery systems,” said Ecopol CEO Mauro Carbone. “We see tremendous opportunity to leverage our complementary R&D capabilities and JRF’s exciting pipeline to commercialize innovative biodegradable and bio-based delivery systems for applications across attractive end-markets, including personal care and healthcare. We believe these solutions will experience significant tailwinds for adoption as brand owners and consumers seek more sustainable and innovative products. We are excited to collaborate with Jim and Richard, who bring decades of experience as inventors and innovators in the field.”
“Since founding JRF more than 15 years ago, our focus on serving as an innovation partner to our clients has driven our expansion. Ecopol’s strategic investment will allow us to invest further in our development and commercial capabilities and accelerate the introduction of our innovative pipeline to the marketplace. Mauro and his team’s expertise in scaling up world-class production of innovative films and delivery systems makes Ecopol the ideal partner for JRF, and together we look forward to realizing the full potential of water-soluble polymer technology,” added Mr. Rossman and Mr. Fielder.
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