Eco-friendly PLA – Floreon Wins the 2024 Innovation in Bioplastics Award for Therma-Tech 14-10-2024 - Archive

Eco-friendly PLA

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Eco-friendly PLA

Floreon Wins the 2024 Innovation in Bioplastics Award for Therma-Tech

Floreon has achieved a major milestone by winning the 2024 Innovation in Bioplastics Award from the US Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) for its cutting-edge bioplastic, Therma-Tech. This plant-based, halogen-free, flame-retardant polymer is designed for high-performance engineering applications and represents a significant step forward in the bioplastics field. Eco-friendly PLA

Therma-Tech is a groundbreaking material that sets a new standard for sustainable bioplastics in industries such as construction, transportation, electronics, and safety equipment. The product stands out as the first polylactic acid (PLA) compound to receive the UL94V-0 certification, a key fire safety rating for use in devices and appliances, without relying on traditional halogenated additives, which are difficult to recycle and pose environmental risks. This innovation fills a significant gap in the market, where bioplastics with fire retardant properties were previously unavailable. Eco-friendly PLA

Patrick Krieger, Vice President of Sustainability at PLASTICS, praised Floreon for its forward-thinking innovation. “Innovation is about offering more sustainable choices,” he said. “Floreon Therma-Tech provides industries with durable, biobased materials for demanding applications, expanding the scope of bioplastics.”

Floreon’s success is the result of a close collaboration with The University of Sheffield, which led to the creation of three key product lines. In addition to Therma-Tech, the company has introduced Floreon Dura-Tech and Floreon Bio-Tech. These bioplastics offer enhanced durability and are designed for various industries, from medical devices and toys to technical packaging and promotional merchandise. Eco-friendly PLA

Dr. Sandrine Garnier, CEO of Floreon, expressed her enthusiasm for the company’s rapid progress and the industry recognition. “This award is a significant achievement for us,” she said. “2024 is a pivotal year. We’ve expanded our product range, secured key investments, and launched our first commercial applications. This award underscores the potential of our technology and highlights the hard work of our dedicated team.”

Floreon’s biopolymers offer a greener alternative to fossil-based plastics, with carbon emissions up to seven times lower, while still meeting or exceeding traditional material performance standards. Dr. Garnier added, “We are leading the way in the bioplastics revolution, helping industries reduce their environmental impact and offering sustainable solutions for a cleaner, more eco-friendly future.” Eco-friendly PLA

One of the core benefits of Floreon’s technology is its ability to improve the strength and durability of PLA, which has historically been associated with single-use products. By enhancing the performance of PLA, Floreon has opened up a wide range of potential applications for bioplastics, including in the automotive, marine, aviation, electronics, construction, and sports equipment sectors. Therma-Tech, in particular, addresses one of the key weaknesses of PLA—its flammability—while maintaining its recyclability. The product contains more than 75% renewable content and boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics, thanks to its energy-efficient production process. Eco-friendly PLA

In addition to winning the prestigious award, Floreon has recently secured a £2.25 million investment from Northern Gritstone and CPI, a strategic move that will further accelerate the company’s mission to transform the bioplastics industry. This funding will be used to scale up production and bring their innovative products to even more markets around the world.

As part of its commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing the bioplastics field, Floreon will be showcasing its products at the upcoming Advanced Engineering Show, taking place on October 30-31 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK. The company will have a presence at Stand W192, where attendees can learn more about the benefits of Floreon’s sustainable PLA solutions. Dr. Andrew Gill, Floreon’s Technical Director, will also be speaking at the event, where he will discuss the latest innovations in bioplastics and the future of sustainable materials.Eco-friendly PLA

The recognition from PLASTICS and the growing momentum behind Floreon’s bioplastics underscore the company’s leadership in the industry. Therma-Tech is a breakthrough that could reshape how industries think about performance materials, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics without compromising on safety or quality. With a clear vision for the future and substantial backing from investors, Floreon is well-positioned to continue its trailblazing path in the bioplastics sector.

The success of Therma-Tech is just the beginning for Floreon, which has ambitious plans to expand its product line and further push the boundaries of what is possible with sustainable materials. Eco-friendly PLA

As industries around the world increasingly seek out environmentally friendly solutions, Floreon’s innovative approach to bioplastics is poised to play a critical role in the transition to a more sustainable future.

Floreon’s journey from a collaborative research project with The University of Sheffield to an award-winning leader in bioplastics demonstrates the power of innovation, determination, and collaboration. Their products not only offer practical solutions for modern industry needs but also represent a significant step forward in reducing the environmental impact of plastics. As the world shifts towards more sustainable practices, Floreon is at the forefront, leading the way with its high-performance, eco-friendly biopolymers. Eco-friendly PLA

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