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News Release from: Smithers Rapra
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 February 2005
Seminar covers biocompostable polymers
Rapra Technology will be organising a special seminar meeting on biocompostable and biodegradable polymers at its Shawbury HQ on Thursday 3rd March 2005.
Rapra Technology 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; channelling funding provided from Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 4 Aug 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Rapra's David Ingles is leading the project and says: "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 convertors to certificate their products as being compliant with the tests contained in EN13432.
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: "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".
"Rapra Technology's compostable initiatives certainly fit the bill on both scores".
Rapra Technology will be organising a special seminar meeting on biocompostable and biodegradable polymers at its Shawbury HQ on Thursday 3rd March 2005.
Places are available on a first come, first served basis.
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