The Environmental Polymers Group plc (EPG, GB-Warrington WA1 4RX) specialises in the development, production and marketing of biodegradable polymer products based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). The product is water soluble and normally decomposes at temperatures very close to its melting point. The material marketed by EPG under the name “depart” is said to be also suitable for melt processing. The films produced with it, says EPG, have a higher tear strength than PVC or PE film and comparable tensile strength.

Over the next 12 months, the company will have a production line for 800 t of the PVOH granules; during the next four years, capacity is scheduled to increase to 10,000 t/y. EPG sees possible applications for the material above all in the medical sector and in agriculture and horticulture. “depart” is also said to be suitable for injection moulding and thermoforming. For the production of water-soluble PVOH film for hospital laundry sacks, compost bags and other applications (including hygiene bags for dog excrement), EPG has set up a joint venture, Depart Film Products Ltd, with Arrow Flexible Packaging Ltd (GB-Warrington WA3 3RR).