Global decarbonisation investment firm Ara Partners has announced the acquisition of a majority interest in Natural World Products (NWP), a key player in organic waste recycling on the Island of Ireland. The acquisition marks a significant step in Ara’s strategy to invest in sustainable businesses and advance its decarbonisation efforts.
Founded and headquartered in Belfast, NWP is the largest recycler of household organic waste on the island. Over the past five years, the company has diverted more than 1.5 million tonnes of organic waste from landfill, playing a vital role in supporting the circular economy.
NWP provides essential services to its customers, helping them meet their net zero emissions targets by recycling organic waste and converting it into valuable resources. This acquisition is part of Ara Partners’ plan to expand NWP’s operations and enhance its infrastructure, with a focus on new recycling initiatives and decarbonisation projects.
The deal also includes additional capital from Ara Infrastructure, which will support the growth of NWP’s platform and expand its capabilities in the waste-to-energy sector. NWP’s CEO, Colm Warren, expressed excitement over the deal, highlighting how it marks a significant milestone for the organic recycling and decarbonisation sectors.
“The evolution of NWP is a great example of how a local SME, with the right vision and team, can attract institutional infrastructure capital,” said Warren. “This investment will not only accelerate NWP’s growth but also contribute to the broader infrastructure solutions necessary for sustainable economic progress. We are thrilled to partner with Ara and look forward to working with Teresa and the team to realise our shared vision for the future.”
Ara Partners has long been focused on investing in businesses that align with global sustainability and decarbonisation goals. Teresa O’Flynn, Partner and Co-Head of Ara Infrastructure, praised NWP’s market-leading capabilities in organic waste recycling, stating that the investment aligns with Ara’s commitment to driving the transition to a net zero economy.
“NWP is a key player in the drive towards achieving net zero targets, and its capabilities in organic waste recycling are unmatched,” O’Flynn said. “We see a significant opportunity to transform the business into a fully integrated waste-to-energy provider. We look forward to partnering with Colm and his team to explore the many opportunities that lie ahead in this evolving market.”
With the backing of Ara Partners, NWP is well-positioned to expand its impact on Ireland’s waste management sector and contribute to the global decarbonisation effort. The company’s expertise in organic waste recycling, combined with Ara’s investment in sustainable infrastructure, is expected to drive innovation in waste-to-energy solutions, paving the way for further environmental advancements in the industry.