Investment firm, Summa Equity, supports an air technology systems expert
In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the circular economy, Swedish impact investor Summa Equity has taken a majority stake in Schulz & Berger Luft- und Verfahrenstechnik (S&B), a German company specializing in air sorting and dedusting systems. This investment was made through Summa Equity's €2.3bn Fund III, and S&B will now be part of Global Circular Solutions, a holding company focused on the circular economy created by Summa Equity last year.
S&B's technology contributes to the circular economy by providing specialized air processing equipment that supports the effective separation and processing of waste materials. This capability complements Bollegraaf's recycling and sorting solutions, creating industrial synergies that strengthen the waste equipment platform. Together, these companies enable more efficient and innovative recycling processes essential for closing material loops and supporting sustainable resource use, which are core principles of the circular economy.
S&B designs, manufactures, installs, and services a range of air technology systems, including air classifiers and dust extraction systems. These systems are primarily used in waste management and recycling facilities, where they help minimize health risks for people, machine wear and tear, and environmental impacts. S&B's air classifiers are used in municipal recycling facilities to separate plastic, paper, glass, and other fractions.
As a product-oriented company, S&B is not restricted to servicing Bollegraaf and can sell its products to competitors as well. In addition to air sorting and dedusting systems, S&B offers ventilation systems for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.
The investment in S&B is part of Summa Equity's broader strategy to focus on scaling and innovating air system technologies specialized for recycling and waste sorting. This move aims to improve waste processing efficiency and enable better recycling infrastructure within the European and North American markets.
S&B, with its 160 full-time staff and strong presence in the DACH region, generated €30m in revenue in 2024. With Summa Equity's support, the company aims to expand its geographic reach, enhance product offerings, and accelerate growth. This investment in S&B strengthens Summa Equity's position in waste sorting and recycling innovation, aligning with the Article 9 fund's other themes, including sustainable food, energy transition, and tech-enabled resilience.
[1] Summa Equity Press Release, "Summa Equity Invests in S&B to Boost Waste Recycling Innovation," [date], URL [2] Global Circular Solutions Press Release, "Summa Equity Invests in S&B to Boost Waste Recycling Innovation," [date], URL [3] Bollegraaf Press Release, "Summa Equity Invests in S&B to Boost Waste Recycling Innovation," [date], URL
- The investment by Summa Equity in S&B signifies a significant step towards the energy transition, as S&B's technology focus is on scaling and innovating air system technologies specialized for recycling and waste sorting.
- The strategic move by Summa Equity to invest in S&B will have a social impact, as it aims to improve waste processing efficiency and enable better recycling infrastructure within the European and North American markets.
- With Summa Equity's financial inclusion, S&B aims to expand its geographic reach, enhance product offerings, and accelerate growth, contributing to the development finance and economic growth in the industry.
- S&B's environmental-science-based air processing equipment, used primarily in waste management and recycling facilities, plays a crucial role in reducing health risks for people, minimizing machine wear and tear, and lessening environmental impacts, thereby promoting a sustainable environment.
