Innovate UK is an exciting funding initiative whereby the government invests in and accelerates economic development in the technology sector. Also known as the Trade Strategy Board, the goal of Innovate UK is to place British businesses at the forefront of world-leading high-tech development. This is achieved through funding of research and development projects.
PVOH Polymers are proud recipients of Innovate UK funds, enabling us to conduct research into the next generation of biodegradable plastic products for British industry.
More information about Innovate UK and its valuable work can be found at https://interact.innovateuk.org/
Case Studies: Successfully funded projects
Working in close conjunction with key partners in the industry, we have successfully completed research on the following ground-breaking areas of plastic development:
– Complex structured formulations for tailored additive release and product enhancement
– PVOH Composite Active Packaging
– Injection Moulding Biodegradable Plastic as a Driver of Supply Chain Innovation and
– Resource Efficiency
– The reduction of Ghost Fishing by the use of water soluble polymers
– Water soluble, biodegradable polymer shellfish bait release
Please see our case studies pages for further details. As a key player in the UK plastics industry, PVOH Polymers are proud to join our efforts to other stakeholders in the industry in order to improve environmental sustainability and efficiency across the sector. These partners include:
– Carclo Technical Plastics
– Unilever Research and Development
– The University of Warwick
– Imperial Chemical Industries Limited (ICI)
For more details about our research and development projects, and how our Innovate UK funded polymers can help your business, get in touch with our customer service team today.
Funded projects
Complex structured formulations for tailored additive release and product enhancement
Abstract
This project aims to deliver step-change developments in the formulation and manufacturing capability of complex biodegradable and water soluble plastic components that will transform existing supply chains in terms of resource efficiency and environmental impact. This break-through will deliver novel active-self-packaging materials with controlled and tailored release for the laundry goods sector (enhanced effectiveness single dose products), and in-container controlled release of additives for paint / coatings sector (enhanced shelf-life products). In the first instance, this project will seek to deliver resource efficiency in two sectors: in the laundry product supply chain, using decentralized manufacture of unit dose products to reduce road transport, enable the elimination of detergent builders and encourage the implementation of low temperature wash additives through novel active-self-packaging formulations and products; and in the paints / coatings sector, delivering material savings through reduction in additive dosing and through enhanced shelf-life of products.
Partners
– PVOH Polymers Ltd
– Imperial Chemical Industries Limited (ICI)
– Unilever Research and Development
– The University of Warwick
– Carclo Technical Plastics
PVOH Composite Active Packaging
Abstract
This project aims to deliver step-change developments in material composition and manufacturing capability of complex biodegradable and water soluble plastic components that will transform existing supply chains in terms of resource efficiency and environmental impact. This break-through of novel active-self-packaging materials technology will potentially enable decentralization of manufacturing capability in a range of industrial sectors, a supply chain innovation that TSB funding has already demonstrated to yield substantial reductions in environmental impacts, including road transport and associated emissions. In the first instance this project will seek to deliver resource efficiency in the laundry product supply chain, using decentralized manufacture of unit dose products to reduce road transport, enable the elimination of detergent builders and encourage the implementation of low temperature wash additives through novel active-self-packaging materials.
Partners
– PVOH Polymers Ltd
– Unilever Research and Development
– The University of Warwick
– Carclo Technical Plastics
Injection Moulding Biodegradeable Plastic as a Driver of Supply Chain Innovation and Resource Efficiency
Abstract
This project aims to deliver step-change developments in material composition and manufacturing capability of complex biodegradable and water soluble plastic components that will transform existing supply chains in terms of resource efficiency and environmental impact. This break-through in injection moulding technology will potentially enable decentralisation of manufacturing capability in a range of industrial sectors, a supply chain innovation that TSB funding has already demonstrated to yield substantial reductions in environmental impacts, including road transport and associated emissions. In the first instance this project will seek to deliver resource efficiency in the laundry product supply chain, using decentralised manufacture of unit dose products to reduce road transport, enable the elimination of detergent builders and encourage the implementation of low temperature wash additives through controlled-release unit dose delivery mechanisms.
Partners
– PVOH Polymers Ltd
– Unilever Research and Development
– Carclo Technical Plastics
The reduction of Ghost Fishing by the use of water soluble polymers
Abstract
Ghost fishing is the term used for lost or abandoned fishing gear that continues to catch fish. It is environmentally detrimental and the fish caught is wasted. The issue of “ghost fishing” was first brought to the attention of world at the 16th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Committee (FAO) on Fisheries.
PVOH Polymers Ltd, a developer and supplier of highly innovative water soluble polymers, apply to investigate this proof of market study. We will ascertain the financial and practicable feasibility of the introduction of a water soluble escape mechanism to release fish and crustaceans if caught in lost lobster and crab pots. Patent searches show the use of a water soluble polymer developed to break down over a period of months used as a pot release mechanism to be highly innovative.
During this study we will canvas manufacturers of lobster and fish pots to discuss pot design and retrofit ideas. We will liaise with the SWWFC and their fishermen members to collate information regarding to the optimum service life of the release mechanism and the time required for the periodic replacement of the device. Working with Cefas we will gauge the possibility of supportive legislation to adopt this type technology.
The completed study will form a report that will cover:
– Market acceptance
– Retrofits
– Pot designs
– Cost implications
– Time and motions to replace
– Legislation
– Polymer degradation time scale
– Intellectual property search and protection
With this information we will be in a position to commence polymer development and prototype design.
As well as the detrimental effects of Ghost Fishing on the environment, the financial impact is also damaging.
The UK has a crab and lobster fisheries industry estimated at a worth in excess of £21m. The FOA estimate a potential loss of 7% of total landings due to ghost fishing, this represents a loss of £1,470,000 per annum to the UK economy.
Water soluble biodegradable polymer shellfish bait release
Abstract
Fish are currently caught and used as bait to catch potted quarry such as lobster, crabs and whelks. This study will address the feasibility of using highly innovative biodegradable and water soluble polymers to encapsulate alterative bait for the commercial shellfish industry. If feasible, it will enable the recycling of fish offal and frames from fish processing plants to substitute and conserve fish stocks. This bait will be presented in an innovative format that will offer a cost effective alternative.
This study will investigate the feasibility to reduce operating costs relating to bait storage, boat fuel, extending the pot fishing interval and bait unit cost. The project will study the environmental risks of using such products, regional and local supply and distribution and potential market acceptance. The study will also address the polymer formulation requirements, design and cost implications of using innovative biodegradable water soluble polymer containers as release mechanisms.