Floreon toughens PLA up

The additives are effective at low addition levels, thus preserving high biobased content without compromising the other positive aspects of PLA. They are all completely degradable (certified to EN13432) and suitable for food contact. The boosts to performance and toughness occur, the company explains in a blog post on the website,because of a ‘synergy’ between the additives. When compounded correctly they interact to disperse throughout the material, forming a unique polymer-polymer ‘nanocomposite’ structure with dispersed spheres which deflect stresses and energy in the finished product with minimal effect on clarity.

Floreon developed the material with a specific application in mind but found that the resulting blend was far more versatile than expected. This opened the door for the development of different grades, each of which is targeted at a specific application segment.

Floreon Transforming Packaging Ltd has set its sights on, in its own words, revolutionizing the worldwide plastics market, and to that end is working with Hull University Business School to develop its strategy for global success.
Shaun Chatterton, founder of Floreon, said: “There are many organizations who want to use sustainable plant based plastics, but currently can’t source suitable quality material for their needs. There is no future for oil-based plastics which have an extremely negative effect on the environment. We have developed a plastic that we believe is four times stronger than any other bioplastic available and has the potential to become a global leader.”

“It is essential that we adopt the right approach to introduce Floreon in the UK and worldwide. Therefore we are working with the University Of Hull Business School on an innovation project to establish our priorities.”

Peter Andrews and David Harness, Senior academics from the University of Hull Business School are working closely with Floreon to bridge the ‘innovation gap’ between this new development and the market opportunity.

“It has become increasingly challenging to bring innovative products to market. Customer needs are constantly evolving, there is a growing focus on the environment, but the way value is measured is also in a state of change,’ said marketing lecturer, Peter Andrews. ‘Floreon has the credentials to be a global bioplastic leader and this will have a dramatic effect on the environment and the economy.”

David Harness added “The Business School works with many businesses – some who are already global leaders such as Ericsson and others who are emerging from the development phase such as Floreon. By sharing academic expertise, we can help to drive growth by understanding customer needs and develop new applications for this unique material.”

“We look forward to working with Floreon to grow the company and promote an extremely viable alternative to traditional, oil-based plastics.”

Jonathan Leafe, Marketing Director of Floreon adds “It’s an exciting time to be Hull at the moment. The potential for Floreon to be part of the focus on green companies and renewables as Hull establishes itself as center of excellence, underpinned by Siemens decision to invest £160 million in wind turbine production in East Yorkshire, and cannot be underestimated.”

The innovation project, which will be conducted by Peter Andrews and Dr David Harness, is funded by the Yorkshire Innovation Fund (or European Regional Development fund) and the University of Hull. The funds provide access to university expertise, Research and Development and innovation for Yorkshire and Humber small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in a range of sectors.