VLS Environmental Solutions Acquires Merichem Company’s Caustic Services Business

HOUSTON, Jan. 6, 2026 — VLS Environmental Solutions is strengthening its leadership in hazardous waste management with the acquisition of Merichem Company’s Caustic Services business. The move expands VLS’ reach in the chemical and petrochemical sectors and deepens its commitment to sustainability-driven beneficial reuse and hazardous waste solutions.

Merichem, founded in 1945, has a long history of beneficial reuse of spent caustics, diverting hazardous waste streams into applications for reuse with industrial clients worldwide. The company is known for eight decades of sustainable solutions for the chemical industry.

“This acquisition provides the most technically advanced beneficial reuse and caustic waste solutions to industrial and refinery markets,” said John Magee, CEO of VLS Environmental Solutions. “By integrating Merichem’s portfolio, we can now offer an unmatched level of sustainable solutions for clients across multiple industries.”

Kendra Lee, Chairman and CEO of Merichem, added: “We are thrilled to combine our heritage grounded in sustainability with VLS’ expansive operational reach to deliver even greater value and sustainability to our customers.” Under Lee’s leadership, Merichem has emphasized environmental stewardship, high performance and strong customer service.

As regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability goals increase, the integration of Merichem’s caustic services business enables VLS to offer beneficial reuse options when handling industrial by-products. “With the integration of Merichem’s caustic services business, VLS can now offer options beyond hazardous waste disposition to its customers for specific by-product streams—such as spent caustics and sulfur-laden byproducts,” said Chris Lobue, Executive Vice President of VLS’ Hazardous Waste Services division. “We are excited to offer expanded handling options that meet the strict regulatory and operational needs of our clients in the chemical and petrochemical industries.”

Merichem will be renamed VLS SustainChem and will be incorporated into VLS’ Hazardous Waste division.

With more than 1,500 employees and a network spanning over 50 locations nationwide, VLS’ acquisition of Merichem’s Caustic Services business brings together two leaders in environmental technology. The combined technical and operational expertise uniquely positions VLS to set a new benchmark for the management, treatment and beneficial reuse of hazardous and non-hazardous materials across the chemical and petrochemical supply chains.

About VLS Environmental Solutions

VLS Environmental Solutions is one of the nation’s largest private providers of environmental and sustainability solutions. The company operates four divisions:

• Non-Hazardous Waste Services: landfill diversion, recycling, wastewater treatment and waste sequestration.
• Hazardous Waste Services: management, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials using advanced technologies and strict safety protocols.
• Rail Services: railcar cleaning, light and heavy repair, and field services for railcars transporting chemicals and other materials.
• Marine Services: barge cleaning, repair and gas-free services for chemical solvents and petroleum products.

With over 1,500 employees across more than 50 locations, VLS is committed to delivering innovative, compliant and sustainable solutions.

For more information about VLS, visit https://www.vlses.com/

Source: VLS Environmental Solutions