Rapra provides biocompostable standards + research

Rapra Technology, Europe's leading independent plastics and rubber research organisation, reports a significant growth in demand for its expertise associated with compostable materials

Rapra Technology, Europe's leading independent plastics and rubber research organisation, reports a significant growth in demand for its expertise associated with compostable materials.

The work in biogradable and compostable materials technology was catalysed this year by financial support from the Telford-based Polymer Cluster; channeling funding provided from Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This funding was used to develop a number of pioneering case studies, based in the Wolverhampton and Telford area and thus to progress the UK's compostable and biodegradable polymer materials know-how and testing work in general.

Based on these pilot studies and in response to the increased profile of "biodegradable" and "compostable" materials in the UK, Rapra has now fashioned a number of programmes to match.

These include.

· Provision of testing to the defined European standard - EN 13432.

· Related leading-edge research and development projects.

· Participation in supply chain initiatives such as the UK Compostable Packaging Group.

· Inception and hosting of technology-specific events.

· Development of targeted research programmes.

David Ingles of Rapra is leading the project and says that 'previously, the only approved facilities to conduct such materials testing and analysis programmes were on mainland Europe.' The UK's Composting Association has accordingly established an Accreditation scheme which is linked to the existing validatory scheme - DIN CERTCO - based in Germany.

This scheme enables material manufacturers and converters to certificate their products as being compliant with the tests contained in EN 13432.

Accordingly Rapra now has set up dedicated laboratories and pilot-scale facilities to deliver this service to the rapidly expanding UK market.

'Demand has been strong,' says Ingles 'and alongside our capital investment, we have been fortunate to receive considerable support from the Polymer Cluster in relation to staff training, accreditation fees and promotional activities.

It is hoped that this test facility will prove a valuable resource for all UK-based companies active in this market.' Paul Hackney, Polymer Cluster Champion, comments that 'we are delighted to have had the opportunity to provide support to this initiative.

As well as offering free packages of practical assistance to help SMEs in the Wolverhampton Telford Technology Corridor area to become more competitive, our aims include the promotion of environmental initiatives.

The Rapra Technology compostable initiatives certainly fit the bill on both scores.' Rapra Technology will be organising a special seminar meeting on this topic and these services - Biocompostable and Biodegradable Polymers - at its Shawbury HQ on Thursday March 3.

Places are available on a first come, first served basis.

Contact David Ingles or Martin Woodley at Rapra for further details.

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