STANELCO Plc>>THE LATEST INFORMATION.

Are Sharp using the Stanelco foamed starch technology ????

Looks like it to me .... if not then they are ripe for upgrade from thermoforming to RF forming of the trays !!!!
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Sharp Interpack launches biodegradable food trays

Sharp Interpack has launched its new range of biodegradable and waterproof thermoformed food trays, which were recently featured on the BBC's Tomorrow's World programme. The trays, which are a composite of starch, made from gm free corn and polylactic acids, could help towards reducing the two million tonnes of plastic waste currently produced in the UK.

The material is as strong as PVC and polypropylene, the current favoured plastics, so it retains its properties during use, but completely breaks down after about six weeks on a compost heap. As well as being used for trays, the composite can be used for covers and netting.

Sharp Interpack is already a major supplier to Tesco, who is using the biodegradable trays for its organic fruit and vegetable range and is working towards a total changeover on fresh produce in future years. There is also considerable interest from other customers for produce and protein packs and non-food applications.

"We see the use of biodegradable materials in our products as a huge leap towards meeting the government's target to reduce plastic waste by 20% within the next four years," said Sharp Interpack's sales and marketing director Jeremy Sampson. "We hope that, as this new technology becomes more popular, it will provide a cost effective, environmentally friendly solution that maintains product integrity and shelf life."

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09 July 2003
Stanelco plc
Announces new process

Stanelco the RF (radio frequency) applications group is pleased to announce that
it has invented a new process for the manufacture of biodegradable and
compostible starch containers, initially, for the food industry, but with
potential uses elsewhere. Stanelco has demonstrated that it can rapidly form
starch foams in moulds at more than ten times faster than conventional heating
technology.

With patents pending, on this innovative use of RF technology Stanelco is
currently in discussion with several large packaging manufacturers with a view
to entering into a development programme and licensing to commercialise this
technology. The Company has been working closely with starch suppliers and with
Sainsbury's who have been supportive in progressing this project and wish to
become the first adopter of this technology.

Chief executive, Ian Balchin said, 'The worldwide market for foamed containers,
such as food trays and fast food boxes is enormous running into billions of
units annually. Our invention may enable the economic manufacture of these
containers from starch that comes from replenishable sources such as potatoes or
corn, that when finished with will be composted or biodegraded. We do not know
at present what the commercial potential of this technology is, that will depend
upon the response and endeavours of the packaging industry.'