Biome in the press "Components in Electronics" Wednesday, 21st July 2010

As BiomeHT (the new temperature resistant grade of bioplastic) opens up new markets; a feature in "Components in Electronics" makes the message clear.  Click here to read more

Biome Technologies is the new name for Stanelco Tuesday, 13th July 2010

Our parent company has renamed to Biome Technologies as it moved to the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. This name reflects the growing portion of its activities that are now in the bioplastics market.

To view their new website please go to the following address www.biometechnologiesplc.com

German website Thursday, 27th May 2010

We have now launched German version of our website. To have a look, click on the flag at the top of the page.

New brochure Friday, 30th April 2010

To view the digital copy please click here or to download the brochure click on the image below.

Biome in the press - Packaging News Thursday, 8th April 2010

MAP film: a fresh direction

Given the sophisticated performance and cost-effectiveness of traditional oil-derived polymers for MAP shrink films, can biopolymers really compete in this market?

Stanelco group company Biome Bioplastics believes so. Having focused its R&D efforts on heat resistance, it is now busy tailoring versions of its biopolymers, principally starch-based, with improved moisture barrier properties.

Thermoplastic starches tend to provide a good gas barrier. The challenge hinges on the tendency of natural starches to absorb water, says Biome. This is one reason why flexible biopolymers have been associated with fresh produce, where the natural transpiration of the material is a benefit.

But while this means that the resin needs to be supplemented to curb these moisture-absorbing tendencies, any adaptation needs to maintain their compostable (or at least biodegradable) character.

As Biome managing director Paul Law says: "You could, cynically, simply fill out the structure with hydrophobic material and still say it was ‘starch-based', but it would no longer be biodegradable."

In fact, a combination of additives and a thin layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) need not break the 5% barrier stipulated in the PAS 2050 compostability standard, he claims.

Of EVOH, Law says: "Although it will keep moisture out, it absorbs moisture, allowing the film to eventually break down." Whether that process is sufficiently fast to allow designation as ‘compostable' remains to be seen, he adds.

R&D work has already yielded a list of potential candidates for barrier combinations, he says. The most promising will undergo independent testing, and a range of solutions should be available by the autumn.

Meat, poultry and other MAP markets have not been associated particularly with bioplastics in the past. But Law points out that demand for biodegradable absorbent pads for this type of pack has increased, making sealing films the next logical step.

Read the full article here.

Don Taylor, Sales Manager North America Friday, 26th March 2010

Don Taylor joined Biome Bioplastics as North American Sales Manager in October 2008 with a vast amount of experience in developing sales into this core area. Don has particular experience in introducing bio materials into a market dominated by oil-based polymers, having worked in the industry for many years.

Don gained ten years experience in both the fibers and textile industry, in business development, sales and product development, having worked for several multinational companies, including Courtaulds, Akzo Nobel, Acordis and Celanese. From this he went on to gain a further 12 years experience in the bio-film industry, where he developed a multimillion dollar sales portfolio in a wide range of application areas.

Don brings an entrepreneurial flair with large company expertise, developing new business, with particular experience in biomaterials. He has successfully brought his passion into developing sales of Biome Bioplastics into the North American market.

He says: “I am excited about the opportunity to raise the profile of Biome Bioplastics and our unique offering of superior products to the North American market, where we strive to make bioplastics a mainstream part of the plastics industry.”

Sales within weeks of launching BiomeClear Friday, 19th March 2010

Biome Bioplastics is pleased to have delivered its first sales of BiomeClear resin following the product launch of this grade in January.  BiomeClear is a translucent, low-noise film which is strong, flexible and biodegradable. 

BiomeClear provides a combination of clarity and feel not normally associated with biodegradable films with high renewable content.  With its ease of use during all production processes, the resin has already successfully been converted into materials for stationery use; and is being trialled for a number of other applications such as fresh produce packaging, window films for bread and bakery packaging.

The first sales have gone to a large plastics conversion company in Northern Europe. 

Paul Law, Managing Director of Biome Bioplastics, reported:

“We are delighted with the response we have received from customers in such a short period of time.  Although we were confident about the need for such a product, initial sales within the first months have further justified the investment we made in its development.”

For further information, samples or general enquiries regarding BiomeClear or any other Biome products, please contact Vicky Ashton.vicky.ashton@biomebioplastics.co.uk

Spanish website Wednesday, 24th February 2010

To better communicate with our Spanish customers and a wider Spanish speaking audience, Biome Bioplastics has launched a Spanish version of the new website. To view, click on the language flag at the top of the page. Other market specific translations coming soon.

A new standard in high temperature bioplastics Wednesday, 17th February 2010

Biome Bioplastics Limited is proud to announce the launch of an exciting development in the field of bioplastics.

BiomeHT 90 is the first of a new range of high temperature bioplastics that will provide significant benefits over existing alternatives within the market. This new bioplastic is in a class of its own and offers, for the first time, the ability for bioplastics to be used in higher temperature applications due to its superior temperature performance and greater rigidity.

This breakthrough in the bioplastics sector opens the market to a multitude of new possibilities and applications that have not been able to benefit from the environmental properties of bioplastics in the past.

With a softening point of greater than 90^OC, in both dry and wet conditions, BiomeHT 90 exceeds the performance of alternative bioplastic products by 20-30^OC; a breakthrough for high temperature applications.

BiomeHT 90 has been tested in injection mouldings and sheet/thermoforming applications with superb results, offering wide and varied opportunities for use in many sectors and products, whilst also retaining the environmental credentials associated with Biome Bioplastics. BiomeHT 90 is made from predominantly renewable resources and is fully recyclable, providing for lower lifecycle costings and excellent end-of-life credentials. 

In addition, the mechanical properties have also been improved to provide stiffer and stronger mouldings, which are now similar, if not better, than the Biome product Bioplast GS 2189 which, in its own right, out performs other bioplastics.

This pioneering innovation changes the face of the bioplastics sector, providing opportunities for the use of environmentally friendly plastic products in a wide range of new applications. BiomeHT 90 is ideal for use in cutlery and plates for hot food applications, thermoformed cups and lids, hot and warm fill packaging, medical instruments that require sterilisation, cooking accessories, baby bottles, casings for consumer electronics and automotive components, to mention just a few.

Paul Law, Managing Director, Biome Bioplastics Limited, commented, ‘This is a major breakthrough in the development of bioplastics and I thank my dedicated research team for their work in developing this outstanding product that will change the face of bioplastics.’

‘This has considerably expanded the possible applications for bioplastics and opens new markets and products to the opportunity of using a product with exceptional environmental credentials.’

Announcing the creation of a brand new force in Bioplastics Monday, 25th January 2010

We are pleased to announce that the bioplastics division of Stanelco plc has been rebranded Biome Bioplastics Limited.

This market leading manufacturer is known for its expertise and innovation in bioplastics and for providing excellent technical service and customer support.

As the bioplastics division has seen continued high levels of growth through the development of new technologies we have decided to create a new brand and company that reflects our expertise within this field and provides a platform for growth within this cutting edge industry.

“Stanelco’s bioplastics business has continued to achieve high levels of growth over the last two years, making us one of the leaders in Bioplastics. It is fitting that it becomes described by a name that reflects its activities so well.  

The new name, Biome (pronounced bahy-ohm), is derived from the scientific word used to describe ecologically similar climatic conditions such as communities of plants, animals and soil organisms, which are often referred to as an ecosystem.  The re-branding to the new name, Biome Bioplastics, is therefore well suited for a business that manufactures materials from renewable resources and is biodegradable at the end of its useful life.” comments Paul Law, Managing Director of Biome Bioplastics Ltd.

From all of the Biome Bioplastics team, we look forward to working with you in this exciting new venture.

A new addition to the Technical Team Friday, 22nd January 2010

Biome Bioplastics is pleased to announce the addition of Daniel Arnillas to our Technical Team.

Daniel is originally from Spain and holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of the Basque Country. He has gained significant experience since university, working in plastic and rubber transformation and rotational moulding, where he developed an interest in bioplastics.

As a native Spanish speaker, Daniel will be helping support our European customers as well as working on the development and processing of our new bioplastic products.

Daniel commented; "I am thrilled to have joined Biome Bioplastics as it is exciting to be able to use my various skills to help develop new and innovative bioplastic materials."