UK bioplastics company invests in further collaboration with University

UK bioplastics company, Floreon, has revealed its latest plans for innovation through further collaboration with the University of Bradford. 

The company has announced the appointment of Nikolaos Kassos to a three-year PhD studentship, which it is funding, to be supervised by Dr Adrian Kelly in the University’s IRC Polymer Engineering Research Group.

Kassos, a recent mechanical engineering MSc graduate from the University of Bradford, has a strong background in polymer research. 

“My final MSc dissertation examined the morphology of polypropylene products using a number of characterisation techniques.  I am now looking forward to applying my knowledge to this challenging new research opportunity with Floreon,” Kassos explained.

Dr Andrew Gill, Floreon Technical Director, said: “We hope that through this new polymer engineering PhD we will develop a range of new products, which have a lower environmental impact than existing alternatives.

“The focus of Nikolaos’s research will be on the advancement of Floreon bioplastic formulations.  The overall aim is to deliver bio-based products with even better heat resistance and mechanical properties when compared with conventional PLA and to ultimately compete with oil based plastics.”

Commenting on the announcement Floreon CEO, Shaun Chatterton said: “The shift from oil-based to bio-based plastic materials will accelerate as the world looks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions.  In my view these trends justify our investment in developing next generation bioplastics that will perform as well as, or even better than, their oil-based counterparts. We are delighted to welcome Nikolaos to the team and look forward to bringing new innovations from his work to the bioplastics market.”