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Wells releases a Microplastics Regulatory Statement

Published: November 18, 2025

Wells Performance Materials Ltd’s Regulatory Affairs Manager: Julie Simmons MRSC has released an official statement addressing EU microplastics regulations and our compliance approach for customers shipping to European markets.

As a leading UK masterbatch compounder and signatory to the Operation Clean Sweep program, we recognise our responsibility to support customers navigating the evolving regulatory landscape for synthetic polymer microparticles.

Our new Microplastics Regulatory Statement provides clarity on:

  • EU REACH Annex XVII Entry 78 – the restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles and industrial use derogations
  • UK vs EU obligations – confirming that as a UK manufacturer, Wells PM has no direct reporting requirements under EU regulations
  • Customer support – detailed guidance for customers who supply Wells PM products to EU industrial sites
  • Compliance information – how our masterbatches and compounds meet regulatory requirements under the industrial use derogation
  • Environmental commitment – our active participation in Operation Clean Sweep to prevent microplastic releases

The statement clarifies that Wells PM masterbatches and compounds can be supplied to the EU market under the derogation for industrial use, and provides all necessary information to help customers meet their own reporting obligations when shipping to European sites.

The statement is available in the Documents section of our website.

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1984
Wells Plastics Founded

The business was founded in 1984 by Danny Wells servicing the UK with specialist additive masterbatches for the UK film and fibre marketplace, with a particular expertise in UV masterbatches.

1997
New Management

In 1997 Danny left the business, under new management the product range began to grow.

1999
Bactiglas™ Launches

In 1999 the business entered antimicrobial masterbatch marketplace which would become the Bactiglas™ range of products.

2003
Reverte™ Arrives

In 2003 Wells developed a range of oxo-biodegradable masterbatches which would become the Reverte™ range of products in 2005.

2006
Expansion

In 2006 the business began its first site expansion taking on more warehousing and office space on the same industrial estate, including an expansion of the lab facility to support the growing business.

2009
Growing Team

In 2009 the

Technical Department expanded further

2011
Management Buy Out

In 2011 KCP supported a management buy-out and provided investment for growth

2012
International Growth

In 2012 Wells increased dramatically its international foot print through an expanded distribution network.

2015
Founding Members

In 2015 Wells are the founding Member of the oxo-biodegradable plastics federation (now known as the Society of Biodegradable Polymers)

2018
Capacity Increases

In 2018 the business underwent a significant capacity uplift with a 40% expansion and extension of the current production facility

2019
ISO 14001

In 2019 the business achieved ISO 14001

 

2020
Ecovadis Silver

In 2020 Wells achieve a Silver EcoVadis rating

2022
A Busy Year

In 2022 Wells created the Innovation Centre, a raw material warehouse, gained a Gold Ecovadis rating and completed a Management Buy Out

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Our products

A wide range of masterbatches for film and sheet applications

Marketed under the Bactiglas™ trademark masterbatches and powders food packing through to medical devices.

A wide range of masterbatches for film, sheet and injection moulding applications

Wells offer a bespoke additive masterbatch and compounding service

Exothermic and endothermic masterbatches and powders for extrusion and injection moulding processes.

A range of biopolymer and biobased materials for extrusion and injection moulding applications.

Wells additive masterbatch and compound contract manufacturing services

Moisture absorbing masterbatches for all extrusion and injection moulding processes

A wide range of bespoke flame retardant masterbatch and compound solutions.

Masterbatches to enhance point of sale items with fragrances or eliminate unwanted mal-odours from recycled feedstocks

A range of masterbatches sold under the Reverte™ trademark for providing a biodegradable property to polyolefins

Masterbatches to improve the quality and aesthetics of extruded polymer, reducing waste and energy consumption.

A range of compounds to aid in the purging, cleaning and shut down procedures of extrusion equipment.

Masterbatches and compounds which provide an enhanced and controlled slip property to extruded and injection moulded articles.

Masterbatches to enhance stability polymers during processing, in use and during recycling suitable for a wide range of applications and processes

Masterbatches to enhance the UV stability of polymers during suitable for a wide range of applications and processes