Stanelco announces approval of Starpol 2000 biodegradable packaging material

Also announces granting of a short exclusive period to ASDA stores Limited to evaluate its applications.

12/10/05 Stanelco, the RF (radio frequency) applications group is pleased to announce food contact approval for its biodegradable packaging material known as Starpol 2000 and the granting of a short exclusive period to ASDA stores Limited (ASDA) to evaluate its applications.

Starpol 2000 has been fully approved for use in food contact applications for all food categories throughout the European Union following analysis and testing carried out by PIRA International (Packaging International Research Association).

Food contact approval has also been granted for Starpol 2000 for all fruit and vegetable categories in the USA, with tests continuing for contact with all other food types to US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) standards.

Stanelco and ASDA have agreed a 30 day exclusivity period for ASDA to approve the Starpol 2000 material for use with Stanelco's GREENSEAL technology (including modified atmosphere packaging) as well as other more general packaging applications. Under the agreement Starpol 2000 material has been released to certain ASDA suppliers for trial use in ASDA products. The exclusivity period is effective in the UK and Ireland.

Starpol 2000 is a totally biodegradable packaging material based on sustainable crop production. It is available in both flexible and rigid forms and is easily thermoformed into food trays and other packaging. Unlike conventional plastics the price of Starpol 2000 has little dependence upon oil price. It is substantially less expensive than most other biodegradable packaging materials and not significantly greater than conventional plastics.

The Stanelco Group of companies (the Group) has brought together expertise in radio frequency (RF) technology, RF applications and biodegradable material sciences to create a revolutionary range of packaging technologies.

Stanelco was founded in 1953 and is a world leader in the development of radio frequency technologies for processing polymers for edible and packaging applications and the design and manufacture of optical fibre technology, induction heating and dielectric welding equipment.  Stanelco's Current developments include GREENSEAL Food tray lidding technology, STARPOL (starch /pva blended material), FrogPack high impact low cost packaging format, CradleWrap range of biodegradable air cushion packaging, Soluble tape, 100% water-soluble films and adhesives, Biodegradable Airbag (void fill) packaging, water-soluble detergent capsules, edible sachets and waste packing.

Pira is a leading commercial consultancy, testing and media business which specialises in retail supply chain technologies related to industries such as packaging, paper, plastics, printing, publishing and consumer goods. Pira has established a reputation as one of the key knowledge providers in these industry sectors.

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