Funding support drives growth for pioneering plastics manufacturer

A Greater Manchester plastics company is expanding after a six-figure investment from Skipton Business Finance.

Sigma Polymers, located near Rochdale, has developed a groundbreaking baling wire made 100% from recycled plastics.

As a result of securing the funding the company, which offers innovative supply solutions to the plastics manufacturing and conversion industry, has embarked on an accelerated business growth journey.

Sheffield-based baling wire manufacturer, D R Baling, approached Sigma Polymers with the goal of incorporating recycled content its their existing plastic baling wire, which runs in conjunction with its steel baling wire production it has provided for more than 60 years.

Sigma aimed to not only divert plastic from landfills by using recycled polymer, but transform it into a powerful tool for the recycling industry, and, in doing so, establish a turning point for the sector by providing an alternative to the very high carbon footprint of the historically-used steel.

The funding also enables Sigma to recycle any off-cuts or waste from the plastic wire production, meaning it will only produce recycled wire. This innovation has now been nominated for the Earthshot prize 2025.

John Mills, business development director at Sigma, said: “When D R Baling approached us, we saw the wider picture and an opportunity in the market to not only revolutionise it, but create a product which can be used to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and create a sustainable future for our children, which is something I am very passionate about.

“Our relationship with D R Baling has really supported both businesses in their growth journeys. We’ve worked together more recently to create a cut and loop system for use by smaller manual balers This has already generated interest from supermarkets in Europe and Canada, whilst D R Baling is investing in a new extrusion line to ensure they have the capacity to meet growing demand.”

Skipton Business Finance provides invoice factoring and invoice discounting funding solutions to businesses with ambitious growth plans.

Kent Broomhead, relationship manager for Skipton Business Finance, said: “The baling wire is a game-changer for the waste management industry and has placed Sigma Polymers as a true environmental champion, which aligns perfectly with our undertaking, as a business committed to supporting sustainable initiatives within our client base.

“We work across a diverse range of businesses over a variety of sectors. However, to be able to align the core business values of Sigma Polymers with those of the Skipton Group, which we are a part of, gives us a real sense of satisfaction.”