Hull UK based Floreon has won the US Plastics Industry Association’s ‘innovation in bioplastics’ award for its plant-based, flame retardant, halogen-free polymer.

Sandrine Garnier Floreon CEO
Called Therma-Tech is a PLA (polylactic acid) with a UL94V-0 flame-retardant rating – electronic and electrical are two of the company’s intended markets.

“Winning this award is testament to the relentless innovation and commitment of the entire team and the importance of the advances we’ve made in developing the highest performing bioplastic yet,” said Floreon CEO Sandrine Garnier. “2024 is our year – we’ve scaled up three products, secured investor backing, brought new talent on-board and launched our first commercial application.”

Building, construction, transportation, sport and safety equipment are other potential markets.

The plastic came out of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Sheffield.

Investments in Floreon include £2m from private equity firm Northern Gritstone and £250k from the UK government-funded Centre for Process Innovation (UK-CPI). The company is also a finalist in the UK’s Plastic Industry Awards, to be held in November.