RCS - Biome Technologies - Biome starts biodegradable tree shelter project

Biome TechnologiesAnnouncement

04/11/2020 07:00

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RNS Number : 1614E  Biome Technologies PLC  04 November 2020

4 November 2020

 

Biome Technologies plc

("Biome", the "Group" or the "Company")

Biome starts biodegradable tree shelter project with win of £58k grant

 

Biome's Bioplastics division (www.biomebioplastics.com
(http://www.biomebioplastics.com) ) announces the start of a project to
develop and test a new generation of biodegradable tree shelters made from the
Company's bioplastics. The project has been awarded funding of £58,843 from
the Government-backed Innovate UK agency.

Tree shelters are used to protect young trees and bushes from predation by
animals. They are a well-proven and economic route to limiting losses in the
first 5-7 years of a tree's life. Traditionally made from oil-based and
non-biodegradable plastics, it is believed that the majority of such shelters
are never collected at the end of their life and litter the landscape with
large and small plastic pieces. Plans to significantly increase tree planting
as part of the UK's push to net zero emissions will exacerbate these problems.

The objective of this feasibility project is to develop and manufacture
prototypes of a novel bio-based, biodegradable tree shelter. These shelters
will be designed to provide protection to growing trees, not hinder growth as
trees reach maturity and biodegrade if not collected. The prototypes will
initially be subjected to laboratory testing in accelerated ageing conditions.

This three-month project is being undertaken in conjunction with Suregreen, a
leading manufacturer of tree shelters. Suregreen's team has extensive
experience in the manufacture and sales of tree shelters and will involve its
forestry customers in product assessment.

The project will draw on advice from Dr Robert Elias of the Biocomposites team
at the University of Bangor. Dr Elias has experience in forest industries and
particular expertise in bio-based polymers and natural anti-bacterial
additives.

The project is funded by Innovate UK's Sustainable Innovation Fund (SBRI Phase
1) that seeks, following COVID-19, to demonstrate the impact and potential of
a clean growth led recovery and transition to net zero greenhouse gas
emissions.

Should this initial feasibility project prove successful, the Company may
apply for further funding from SBRI Phase 2 in early 2021. It is envisaged
that subsequent funding would be used to conduct extensive field trials.

 

Paul Mines, Biome Technologies' Chief Executive commented:

"This project is an exciting step towards supporting tree planting in a
sustainable manner. Some 15 million tree shelters are already used in the UK
each year and we are delighted to help Suregreen re-invent a product for this
sector."

 

John Warner, Suregreen's Managing Director commented:

"We are really excited to be working with an industry-leading company such as
Biome Technologies to explore practical ways of utilising the latest
bioplastic materials for the benefit of the environment, the climate and the
world. We know what essential features and attributes a tree shelter should
have through the development of our existing Vigilis range and look forward to
applying that knowledge to this new type of tree shelter which will facilitate
the huge tree planting programs that our future demands."

 

Innovate UK Executive Chair Dr Ian Campbell said:

"In these difficult times we have seen the best of British business
innovation. The pandemic is not just a health emergency but one that impacts
society and the economy. Biome Technologies' innovative biodegradable tree
shelter project, along with every initiative Innovate UK has supported through
this fund, is an important step forward in driving sustainable economic
development. Each one is also helping to realise the ambitions of
hard-working people."

 

-Ends-

 

For further information please contact: Biome Technologies plc

Paul Mines, Chief Executive Officer

Donna Simpson-Strange, Company Secretary

info@biometechnologiesplc.co.uk (mailto:info@biometechnologiesplc.co.uk)

Tel: +44 (0) 2380 867 100

www.biometechnologiesplc.com
(file:///C:/Users/paul/Dropbox/Biome/www.biometechnologiesplc.com)

 

Allenby Capital

David Hart/Alex Brearley (Nominated Adviser)

Kelly Gardiner (Equity Sales)

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3328 5656

www.allenbycapital.com (http://www.allenbycapital.com)

 

About Biome

Biome Technologies plc is an AIM listed, growth-orientated, commercially
driven technology group. Our strategy is founded on building market-leading
positions based on patented technology and serving international customers in
valuable market sectors. We have chosen to do this by developing products in
application areas where the value-added pricing can be justified and are not
reliant on government legislation. These products are driven by customer
requirements and are compatible with existing manufacturing processes. They
are market rather than technology-led.

The Group comprises two divisions, Biome Bioplastics Limited and Stanelco RF
Technologies Limited.

Biome Bioplastics is a leading developer of highly-functional, bio-based and
biodegradable plastics. The company's mission is to produce bioplastics that
challenge the dominance of oil-based polymers.

Stanelco RF Technologies designs, builds and services advanced radio frequency
(RF) systems. Dielectric and induction heating products are at the core of a
product offering that ranges from portable sealing devices to large furnaces
for the fibre optics markets.

 

www.biometechnologiesplc.com (http://www.biometechnologiesplc.com)

www.biomebioplastics.com (http://www.biomebioplastics.com)
 and www.thinkbioplastic.com (http://www.thinkbioplastic.com/)

www.stanelcorftechnologies.com (http://www.stanelcorftechnologies.com)

 

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