Patent Application

Stanelco PLC
11 May 2004

11 May 2004

                                  Stanelco plc

                      Patent Application for new low cost
                             biodegradable material


Stanelco plc, the RF (radio frequency) applications group, has applied for a
process patent on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary Adept Polymers Ltd. This
follows the development of a new range of low cost biodegradable materials that
can be processed like conventional thermoplastics.

The materials are comprised of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and starch and have
unique properties; combining the strength and dissolution advantages of PVA with
the biodegradability of starch. This facilitates the production of a chemically
resistant, low-cost film, which can be used as a replacement for other packaging
materials as well as opening up a new range of opportunities as a result of its
enhanced characteristics. With the equipment recently purchased from Sixela,
Stanelco expects to be able to produce the material in quantities of up to 2000
tonnes annually within 12 months.

Commenting on the development, Ian Balchin, Chief Executive of Stanelco, said, '
It is our belief that for biodegradable materials to become widely accepted they
must be able to compete on cost terms with conventional materials. Trial
marketing indicates that this material will open up new markets and applications
that were previously thought to be impossible or uneconomic. Our initial focus
will be on replacing conventional PVA materials for applications such as
detergent capsules and laundry bags, a growing worldwide market that we estimate
to be worth some £50m annually.'


                                     ENDS-


For further information please contact:

Ian Balchin, Chief Executive
Stanelco plc                          Tel: [phone]

Jonathon Brill
Financial Dynamics                    Tel: [phone]


Notes to Editors:

Stanelco was founded in 1953 and is a world leader in the development of radio
frequency technologies for processing polymers of edible and packaging
applications and the design and manufacture of optical fibre technology,
induction heating and dielectric welding equipment. The Company's current core
business is the manufacture of optical fibre using Radio Frequency (RF)
technology. Stanelco has been applying its technology to other markets and is
currently developing detergent capsules, foamed starch trays, edible sachets and
waste packing.


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