What Gruppo MAIP does

Gruppo MAIP is an Italian polymer compounder and specialty materials producer founded in 1962 in Settimo Torinese, operating a cluster of four entities: Maip S.r.l. (distribution/agency), Maip Compounding S.r.l. (proprietary compounding and green polymers), Ciceri De Mondel S.r.l. (thermoplastic distribution), and BIO ON S.p.A. (PHA biopolymer fermentation, acquired June 2023). The company runs four complementary activities — Agency & Distribution, Compounding & Coloring, R&D & Lab Academy, and 3D Filaments & Sheets — producing a portfolio spanning base compounds (styrenics, polycarbonates, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, acetals, super-technopolymers such as KARILLON and TEIKO), modified specialty compounds (flame retardant HIFLAM, anti-microbial IONIZETA, lightweight ARIA, anti-scratch DIAMOND, laser-marking BIMY, conductive HITHOR, thermally conductive TERMIX), thermoplastic elastomers, GreenHope sustainable materials (BIOS, KIOS, ORIOS sub-lines), Inchanto special-effects compounds, Neopolymers nanocomposites/nanotubes, and the IamNature PHA biopolymer line. Proprietary technologies include ECOMOLDING (Rapid Heat Cycle Molding that eliminates paint requirements), AQAFINDER inline moisture sensors, atmospheric plasma treatment (TIGRES partnership), and Moldflow process simulation services.

The company sells primarily through enterprise field sales to manufacturers in automotive (ABB, Stellantis/CRF, MPT Mecaplastics), electrical/electronics, packaging/cosmetics, fashion (U-Jay eyewear), and industrial sectors across EMEA, with selective global reach through partnerships. Revenue is generated from one-time compound sales, distribution margins and commissions on agency relationships with principals (Covestro, Elix Polymers, Polyram, Kuraray, Plaskolite, Eastman), R&D and technical services, and sales of bioplastics and 3D filaments. Pricing is quote-based and determined by compound specifications, volume, and customer requirements; no public pricing exists. Recent strategic emphasis is on sustainability, evidenced by the ~€50 million BIO ON acquisition and Settimo Torinese eco-plant build, the BIOntier Horizon-JU consortium leadership, IamNature PHA scale-up, Cherbio T (Eastman PRT molecular recycling), and EcoVadis Bronze certification. The company is privately held by the Martini family with Eligio Martini as CEO; no institutional investor backing is evidenced.

Name

Gruppo MAIP

Legal name

Maip S.r.l.

Website

https://maipsrl.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Gruppo MAIP is an Italian specialty polymer compounder producing thermoplastic, biopolymer, and modified compounds for enterprise customers in automotive, electrical/electronics, packaging, and fashion, combining proprietary compounding with agency distribution for global principals like Covestro, Eastman, and Kuraray.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Thermoplastic Compounds

NAICS

Custom Compounding of Purchased Resins (325991), Plastics Product Manufacturing (3261), Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing (325211)

SIC

Plastics Products, Nec (3089), Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821)

akta.pro primary industry

Commodity Plastic Compounds (PE/PP/PS/PVC) (IMANABAA)

Keywords

• Thermoplastic compounds
• Polymer compounding
• Biopolymer materials
• Technical polymers
• Modified thermoplastics

Headquarters

HQ city

Settimo Torinese

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Compound Sales: Production and commercialization of thermoplastic compounds including base compounds, modified compounds, elastomers, and specialty polymers. Revenue generated from direct sale of materials to manufacturers.
2. Agency and Distribution: Agency and distribution of materials from prestigious parent companies including Covestro, Elix Polymers, Polyram, Kuraray, Plaskolite, and Eastman. Revenue from distribution margins and commissions.
3. Technical Services and R&D: Research and development services, lab testing, compound customization, and technical support provided to customers as part of comprehensive solution provider approach.
4. Bioplastics and Sustainable Materials: Sale of biopolymers, recycled materials, and green polymer solutions under GreenHope family including BIOS, ORIOS, and KIOS product lines.
5. 3D Filaments and Sheets: Production and sale of materials for additive manufacturing including filaments and sheets for 3D printing applications.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gruppo MAIP produces and commercializes thermoplastic compounds—including Compound Base, Modified Compounds, Elastomers, and Greenhope sustainable polymers—and operates as an agency and distributor for prestigious polymer principals (Covestro, Elix, Polyram, Kuraray, Plaskolite, Eastman). The group also delivers R&D, lab testing, and technical services, plus 3D filaments and sheets for additive manufacturing, serving manufacturers in automotive, electrical/electronics, packaging, cosmetics, and fashion.

Product overview

Gruppo MAIP produces and commercializes thermoplastic compounds, operating as a polymer solution provider with four complementary activities: Agency & Distribution, Compounding & Coloring, R&D and Lab Academy, and 3D Filaments & Sheets. The product portfolio centers on COMPOUND BASE (basic compounds including styrenics, polycarbonates, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, acetals, and super-technopolymers like KARILLON and TEIKO), MODIFIED compounds (with specialized properties like flame retardancy, conductivity, and anti-scratch), ELASTOMERI (thermoplastic elastomers), GREENHOPE sub-brand (sustainable materials including BIOPOLYMERS, QUID biocomposites, and R-POLYMERS), INCHANTO (special visual effects), NEOPOLYMERS (nanocomposites and conductive materials), and IAMNATURE (PHA-based biopolymers). Key technology offerings include AQUAFINDER (moisture sensors), ECOMOLDING (rapid heat cycle molding), plasma treatment, and Mold Flow simulation services. The group serves automotive, packaging, fashion, electrical, and consumer goods sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IamNature: PHA-based biopolymer, biobased and biodegradable, designed for thin-walled applications with superior performance
• GreenHope
• Inchanto
• Kostrate
• Warmi
• Quir
• Suberi
• Rain
• Native

Products and services

• COMPOUND BASE Base thermoplastic compounds including styrenics, transparents, reinforced polycarbonates, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, acetals (KITAL), and super technopolymers (KARILLON, SULFIE, TEIKO). Designed for manufacturers in automotive, electrical/electronics, packaging, cosmetics, and fashion sectors.
• MODIFIED COMPOUNDS (COMPOUND MODIFICATI) Special compounds with enhanced properties through additives, fillers, and pigments, including ACUSTICA (acoustic), ARIA (lightweight hollow microspheres, 15–30% density reduction), BIMY (laser marking), BONDI (2K technology), DETECTIVE (magnetizable), DIAMOND (anti-scratch), HEAVITECH (high-density), HICARBON (carbon fiber), HIFLAM (flame retardant), HIGLAS (structural), HILITE (light diffusing), HILUB (self-lubricating), HITHOR (electrically conductive), IONIZETA (antimicrobial), LUBRIL, MINT (athermal), MEMORI (shape memory), TERMIX (thermally conductive), TITAN (anti-friction polyamides), WARPI (reduced warpage), and WIMY (laser welding).
• ELASTOMERI Thermoplastic elastomers including DESMOPAN, FORFLEX, FORPRENE, LAPRENE, SOFPRENE, PIBIFLEX, and TECNOPRENE product lines.
• GREENHOPE Eco-sustainable materials divided into three families: BIOPOLYMERS (biodegradable materials), QUID (biocomposites with natural materials), and R-POLYMERS (recycled materials from post-consumer sources).
• INCHANTO Special Effects Special visual effects compounds with over 25 effects including VISION, METALLICA, ESTHETICA, COXINELLA, DOLOMIOS, LINX, MISTERY, NINPHEOS, OXIGEN, and SHELLI, covering over 90 base polymers. Enables cost reduction by eliminating painting and post-treatments.
• NEOPOLYMERS (Nanocomposites and Nanotubes) Advanced technopolymers including NANOCOMPOSITES with nanofillers for enhanced physical-mechanical properties, NANIL CNT carbon nanotube compounds for electrostatic dissipation and EMI shielding, and THERMOCONDUCTIVE heat-dissipating thermoplastics.
• IAMNATURE PHA Biopolymer PHB-based bio-technopolymer for sustainable applications with dimensional stability, high temperature resistance (up to 130°C), light and UV resistance, available in various formulations with natural additives. Awarded Bioplastics Award 2017 and used in ABB switch cover frames.
• GREENHOPE BIOS Family Biobased and biodegradable materials including PLA, PHA, PBS, PHB, BGA, and thermoplastic starches for controlled-environment return to nature.
• GREENHOPE KIOS Family Bio-based but non-biodegradable materials including Bio-PE, Bio-PET, Bio-PA, PTT, and Bio-PP. Ideal for sustainable applications without compromising durability and performance.
• GREENHOPE ORIOS Family Fossil-based biodegradable materials including PBAT, PCL, PBS, PVOH, and PVA. Designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining advanced properties.
• KOSTRATE Specialty Compounds High-performance compounds including the Edge series for fashion and eyewear applications such as U-JAY COVER spectacle frame covers, providing UV resistance and aesthetic flexibility.
• WARMI Bio-composite Bio-composite with natural wood fibers in a polyolefinic matrix. Uses wood processing derivatives, is fully recyclable, requires no polluting treatments, and is processable like wood but moldable like a thermoplastic.
• NATIVE Hybrid Bio-composite Hybrid compounds combining thermoplastic polymers with vegetable fibers (hemp, bamboo, jute) from non-food chain crops, producing recyclable bio-composites with mechanical and thermal property improvements.
• QUIR Hybrid Leather Compound Hybrid materials combining leather scraps with thermoplastics, combining leather aesthetics with thermoplastic processing versatility for co-injection, extrusion, and calendering.
• SUBERI Cork-elastomer Compound Tactile materials combining natural cork with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE, TPO, TPU), available in hardness from 20 to 98 ShA for injection, extrusion, and thermoforming. Used in automotive for seals and soft-touch applications.
• RAIN Agricultural Bio-composite Bio-composites combining polymers with agricultural waste (almond shells, walnut shells, corn cobs, olive pits), developed as part of the MATERIA research program with CRF and Proplast.
• CHERBIO T Compound Innovative compound from molecular recycling based on Eastman's PRT (Polyester Renewal Technology), offering aesthetic properties and technical performance for the automotive sector without need for painting. Converted plastic waste into first-quality materials using molecular recycling instead of petroleum as raw material.
• AQUAFINDER Moisture Sensor Real-time inline moisture measurement system for granules that eliminates underdrying and overdrying problems in polymer processing. Provides moisture content expressed as percentage or ppm.
• INK TEST Wettability Inks Wettability test inks for measuring surface tension of plastics supplied in packs of 8 bottles (30 ml each) in standard versions from 30–58 mN/m, used for polyolefin and technopolymer pre-treatment quality control.
• 3D Filaments and Sheets Materials for additive manufacturing including filaments and sheets for 3D printing applications, produced as part of Gruppo MAIP's role in the 3D Filaments & Sheets activity line.

Quantifiable outcome

• Materials tested over 150 formulations before reaching final specification for ABB project
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, flagship and core.

• Lisante ServicestrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2025Strategic partnership for developing BAMX bamboo-based compounds for renewable polymer applications. Collaboration to integrate Lisante's bamboo BAMX material into Maip Compounding's advanced materials.
• BIOntier ConsortiumflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 October 202425-partner European consortium including CRF Stellantis, Dawn Aerospace, Faurecia, Fraunhofer Institute, RISE Research Institute, and European universities. Project funded under Horizon - JU Innovation Actions for developing sustainable and circular biocomposites for automotive, aerospace, energy, and water treatment sectors.
• Oerlikon HRSflowstrategicTechnology or Integration · 15 October 2024Joint presence at Fakuma 2024 for sustainable injection molding solutions. Collaboration on optimized hot runner systems and FLEXflow servo-controlled valve gate technology for biopolymers and recycled compounds.
• MateriallystrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2024Collaboration on Innovation Days focused on Better Plastics. Joint presentation of IamNature PHA-based material and discussion on biodegradable polymers for design and responsible manufacturing.
• BIO ON S.p.A.flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023Acquisition of all BIO ON assets in June 2023, including PHA biopolymer technology, production facilities in Castel San Pietro, and extensive patent portfolio. Most significant investment by MAIP Group to consolidate strategic vision of sustainable future.
• CovestrocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAgency and distribution partnership for Covestro polymer products. MAIP acts as authorized distributor representing Covestro's advanced polymer materials portfolio.
• Elix PolymerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAgency partnership for Elix Polymers specialty ABS and other polymer materials.
• PolyramcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partnership for Polyram polymer materials.
• KuraraycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAgency and distribution partnership for Kuraray polymer products.
• PlaskolitecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partnership for Plaskolite transparent polymer sheet and profile products.
• Eastman Chemical CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for sustainable polymer formulations using Eastman's PRT (Polyester Renewal Technology) molecular recycling. Joint development of Cherbio T compound for automotive applications and participation in ReGenesis protocol for sustainable luxury goods supply chain.
• StellantisflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing supplier relationship with Stellantis in automotive sector. Finalist at Stellantis Supplier Awards 2024 in Raw Materials category. Collaboration on sustainable mobility and advanced polymer solutions.
• TIGRES GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for atmospheric pressure plasma treatment systems since 1993. TIGRES provides equipment for surface activation, ultra-fine cleaning and coating for automotive, aerospace, electrical, medical, consumer appliances, printing, textile and packaging industries.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• NatureWorks: World's leading PLA biopolymer producer with focus on bio-based and biodegradable materials across packaging, foodservice, and durables. Comparable on the biopolymer platform MAIP has built via the IamNature PHA brand and GreenHope portfolio.

Direct peers

• RTP Company: Specialty compounder of custom-engineered thermoplastics including conductive, flame-retardant, and structural compounds for automotive, electronics, and industrial uses. Comparable on application-specific proprietary compound families similar to MAIP's ACUSTICA, HIFLAM, and HICARBON lines.
• Biesterfeld Plastic: One of Europe's largest polymer and chemical distributors with technical sales support and a strong sustainability/biopolymers portfolio. Directly comparable on the distributor-plus-technical-service model and on the growing bet on bio-based and recycled materials across similar end-markets.
• Nordmann: European chemical and polymer distributor combining principal agency relationships with technical application support. Comparable on the dual distribution/compounding model and on serving automotive and packaging OEMs in EMEA.
• Ultrapolymers: Specialty polymer distributor and compounder across Europe with focused product portfolios and agency agreements with global resin producers. Comparable scale and product mix, with overlap on automotive, electrical, and packaging customers.
• Teknor Apex: Specialty thermoplastic compounder producing customized compounds including TPEs, engineering plastics, and bioplastics for automotive, electrical, and consumer applications. Closely comparable on custom compounding, technical service, and sustainability offerings.
• Distrupol: European polymer distributor serving automotive, packaging, and industrial customers with a portfolio of base and specialty resins plus compounding services. Closely comparable to Gruppo MAIP's combined agency-and-distribution plus compounding model, with strong supplier relationships and a focus on technical service in EMEA.
• Resinex: European polymer and elastomer distributor serving automotive, electrical/electronics, and industrial manufacturers. Directly comparable on agency/distribution combined with growing emphasis on sustainable polymers.

Broad incumbents

• Avient Corporation: Global specialty polymer compounder (formerly PolyOne) with a much broader portfolio and geographic footprint in specialty engineered materials, colorants, and sustainable composites. Operates in the same space as Gruppo MAIP's modified-compound and biopolymer lines but at vastly larger scale.
• BASF: Global chemical incumbent with significant biopolymers activity (ecoflex, ecovio) and broad engineering plastics. Competes with Gruppo MAIP in bioplastics and engineering thermoplastics, particularly for large automotive and packaging customers across Europe.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gruppo MAIP