Floreon features in recent OPI Magazine

Our new 100% biodegradable and compostable plastic, has been featured in the recent OPI magazine. Read on to see OPI's article.

A new 100% biodegradable, 100% compostable plastic has been developed that, according to CPD head Shaun Chatterton, has “amazing potential” for office products.

Floreon was developed by cleaning products supplier CPD along with scientists at the University of Sheffield to provide environmentally friendly packaging.

More than 90% of the polymer derives from renewable plant materials and it biodegrades into naturally occurring elements.

On top of its green credentials, the cost of producing Floreon could be significantly lower than for existing plastics, as a much lower temperature, and 22% less non-renewable energy, is required.

“The potential of Floreon for OP, along with any other industry, is amazing,” said Chatterton, who launched the product in October at a charity auction for non-profit Fresh2o. He also launched his book Think Big and Make a Difference, the profits of which will go to the charity.

“One of the polymer’s inventers, Dr Alma Hodzic, was looking through an OP catalogue that I had on my desk and said that there’s no reason why any plastic-based product, from pens to files, couldn’t be made from Floreon,” Chatterton told OPI.

“The next thing for us to do is drive commercialisation of the plastic and get it on the market. Once bigger production volumes are reached, Floreon can deliver significant cost savings. "It has been four years in development and is now awaiting final patent approval. The initiative was part of a knowledge transfer partnership funded development, with CPD owning intellectual property rights.”

Shaun is currently talking to manufacturers, such as producers of plastic bottles, about which Floreon-manufactured product to first bring to the market.