A first-ever six-month period of operating profit in the second half of its 2008 financial year just failed to lift oxobiodegradable additive supplier Symphony Environmental Technologies (Borehamwood / UK; www.symphonyplastics.com) to break-even for the 12 months to 31 December 2008. The year’s loss before tax decreased to GBP 0.4m from GBP 1.95m in 2007 following a revenue increase of 42% to GBP 5.36m. The gross profit margin doubled to 44%. Chief executive Michael Laurier said it was the most significant performance in the group’s history with costs kept static and the international network of distributors increasing to 45 following notable launches into the Middle East, South Africa and Central America. Laurier said new sales wins are becoming more frequent as new markets and applications for the "d₂w" series of eco-compatible additives and products continue to expand. Current trading is ahead of company expectations.

Symphony Environmental Technologies has two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries: Symphony Environmental Ltd (www.degradable.co.uk), which concentrates on environmental and totally degradable packaging, and Symphony Plastics Ltd, whose operations are focused on non-degradable flexible plastic packaging and other products.