Zotefoams (Croydon / UK; www.zotefoams.com) is pleased with the recent success of its new high performance foams in aviation applications – in particular the "Zotek" F30 fluoropolymer-based crosslinked foam launched in January 2004. Thanks especially to strong demand from US aviation customers, the product developed from the "Kynar" PVdF polymer produced by Zotefoams´ materials partner Arkema (Paris La Défense / France; www.arkemagroup.com), contributed sales of USD 1m (EUR 823,000) to the UK company´s overall turnover in 2005.

The leading foams specialist is now turning its attention to additional aviation, military and chemicals projects for foams manufactured from other Arkema fluoropolymers. A new major project is Zotek F HT, launched in January of this year, for which Zotefoams said it has "already secured initial orders." The foam is said to offer improved temperature and chemical resistance. Development of PA and silicone foams is also described as well advanced.

For 2005 Zotefoams reported a pretax profit before exceptional items of GBP 1.8m (EUR 2.6m), up 40% on 2004. Sales, at GBP 28m, were ahead 11%. Overall volumes in polyolefin foams grew 3%. The most significant progress was made in Germany, where sales rose 15% due to a strong performance in packaging and transport applications. Further progress in both polyolefin and engineering foams is expected through 2006.