Millennium Plastics Corp. (6265 Stevenson Way, Las Vegas, Nevada 89120 / USA), a US company founded in 1999, has acquired Solplax Ltd. (Carrigeendaniel, Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland) in its entirety. Millennium has already held exclusive worldwide rights to the Irish company´s patented technology for water-soluble and biologically-degradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) since May of this year. The acquisition is being performed through an exchange of shares.

The PVOH produced is claimed to be usable in a wide variety of forms. According to Millennium, both solid parts, such as cutlery, and a variety of sheet applications are feasible. The US company sees customer markets in virtually all sectors of industry. The material is said to be a mixture of PVOH, polyvinyl acetate, plasticiser and stabilisers, and processable at above 150^°C. A special coating guarantees durability until the material dissolves in water after a defined product service life. Complete biocompatibility is guaranteed during degradation. “Solplax” is also particularly suitable for applications requiring heat resistance.

Millennium sees the acquisition as considerably enhancing its worldwide marketing basis. A degradable material based on PVOH was already presented by an English company last year.