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RAPRA PROVIDES BIOCOMPOSTABLE STANDARDS AND RESEARCH
30 March 2006 - Rapra Technology Limited
| Rapra Technology, Europe's leading independent plastics and rubber research organisation, reports a significant growth in demand for its expertise associated with compostable materials. |
Rapra Technology, Europe's leading independent plastics and rubber research organisation, 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; channeling funding provided from Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund. This funding was used to develop a number of pioneering case studies, based in the Wolverhampton and Telford area and thus to progress the UK's compostable and biodegradable polymer materials know-how and testing work in general. Based on these pilot studies and in response to the increased profile of "biodegradable" and "compostable" materials in the UK, Rapra has now fashioned a number of programmes to match. These include: Provision of testing to the defined European standard - EN 13432
Related leading-edge research and development projects
Participation in supply chain initiatives such as the UK Compostable Packaging Group. Inception and hosting of technology-specific events
Development of targeted research programmes
Rapra's David Ingles is leading the project and says that '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 converters to certificate their products as being compliant with the tests contained in EN 13432. 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.'
http://www.rapra.net
About: Rapra Technology Limited
Rapra Technology is Europe’s leading independent plastics and rubber consultancy. Rapra provides comprehensive consultancy, technology and information services for the polymer industry and industries using plastics and rubber in any component, product or production process.
Company Statistics: Formerly the Rubber and Plastics Research Association (RAPRA)
Established 1919
5,000 clients worldwide per annum
2,000 technical projects each year
World class Information Centre
2 sites in the UK
130 staff Working for industry. Rapra provides specialist plastics and rubber technical, information and commercial services for the polymer industry and end-user industries including the automotive, construction, electrical, medical, offshore, packaging and polyurethane sectors. Rapra has a unique mix of on-site expertise and facilities enabling the application of an integrated approach to problem solving. Its capabilities lie in the skills and experience of its people, many of whom are recognised as leading experts in their field. Clients can commission individual services,specialist consultancy or participate in multi-client research projects, funded by EC and UK government and/or industry, to progress research and development of polymer technology and applications. Testing, analysis and calibration services. Rapra’s physical testing, analytical and chemical laboratories are UKAS accredited to provide UKAS certification and test to a range of national and international standards. Numerous physical tests assess material properties such as abrasion, fatigue, impact and stress and their performance in products in particular conditions. Rapra’s analytical and chemical laboratories undertake materials identification and characterisation etc. using a range of advanced chromatographic, spectroscopic and thermal techniques. Information services. Rapra’s technical facilities are complemented by an extensive polymer Information Centre. The Polymer Library is the world’s most comprehensive plastics and rubber information database in the public domain. Available either in hardcopy, on CD-ROM or via the internet, it contains over 850,000 references which are updated every two weeks. Rapra produces a range of publications including Journals, Industrial Analysis Reports, Review Reports and global Directories, detailed in a Publications Catalogue. Technology services. Rapra’s plastics and rubber technical services can prevent, identify or solve problems and improve on or ensure continuing quality. Supported by comprehensive testing, analysis and information facilities, technologists can tackle most polymer related projects. Whilst details of specialist services are available, the following represents Rapra’s core technical expertise: Materials selection & application support
Product design & development
Manufacturing process development
Prototyping & small scale production
Engineering & tooling
Fault & failure diagnosis
Testing & Analysis
Conferences
Rapra brings together leading academics and industrialists in an annual programme of national and international conferences. Renowned for their quality coverage of polymer topics, Rapra conferences are of interest to polymer processors and industry-wide users. Technology Training Courses
Rapra runs an extensive programme of short technology-based training courses covering materials, product design, processing techniques and environmental considerations. Recognised by the Institute of Materials Continuing Professional Development scheme, they aim to enhance in-house skills, help in identifying problems and to recognise potential opportunities. |
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