Approval of Starpol

Stanelco PLC
12 October 2005


12 October 2005



                   Stanelco plc (Stanelco' or 'the Company')

           Approval of Starpol 2000 Biodegradable Packaging Material
                              and ASDA Exclusivity


Stanelco, the RF (radio frequency) applications group is pleased to announce
food contact approval for its biodegradable packaging material known as Starpol
2000 and the granting of a short exclusive period to ASDA stores Limited (ASDA)
to evaluate its applications.

Starpol 2000 has been fully approved for use in food contact applications for
all food categories throughout the European Union following analysis and testing
carried out by PIRA International (Packaging International Research
Association).

Food contact approval has also been granted for Starpol 2000 for all fruit and
vegetable categories in the USA, with tests continuing for contact with all
other food types to US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) standards.

Stanelco and ASDA have agreed a 30 day exclusivity period for ASDA to approve
the Starpol 2000 material for use with Stanelco's GREENSEAL technology
(including modified atmosphere packaging) as well as other more general
packaging applications. Under the agreement Starpol 2000 material has been
released to certain ASDA suppliers for trial use in ASDA products. The
exclusivity period is effective in the UK and Ireland.

Starpol 2000 is a totally biodegradable packaging material based on sustainable
crop production. It is available in both flexible and rigid forms and is easily
thermoformed into food trays and other packaging. Unlike conventional plastics
the price of Starpol 2000 has little dependence upon oil price. It is
substantially less expensive than most other biodegradable packaging materials
and not significantly greater than conventional plastics.

Howard White, Managing Director of Stanelco, commented:

'We are delighted that ASDA have decided to consider moving forward with our
Starpol 2000 product as part of their future plans, alongside the Greenseal
product. We look forward to working with them as they once more strive to be
first to market in this exciting new packaging product. With consumers
increasingly demanding environmentally friendly solutions this will give ASDA a
real competitive advantage over their competitors. Now it is for the consumer
public to support and drive the adoption of environmentally responsible
packaging solutions.'

Tony Ruane, Technical Compliance Manager at ASDA said:

'ASDA welcomes the addition of Starpol 2000 to the successful projects it is
already conducting with Stanelco.

'Greenseal technology continues to be an exciting development within the ASDA
supply base and we look forward to the successful introduction of the 200 Radio
Frequency Technology Greenseal installations within the timescales already
agreed.'



                                    - Ends -



For further information please contact:

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

Jonathon Brill/Billy Clegg                   Tel: [phone]
Financial Dynamics




About Stanelco plc

The Stanelco Group of companies (the Group) has brought together expertise in
radio frequency (RF) technology, RF applications and biodegradable material
sciences to create a revolutionary range of packaging technologies.

Stanelco's philosophy is that new products and processes must offer solutions
and applications which:

give higher added value,
are greener, more environmentally sustainable than those they replace
and have protectable intellectual property rights.

Stanelco will develop the products and processes to a demonstration stage and
then work with partners in order to reach the markets; and under these
circumstances Stanelco will usually seek to license its technology. Stanelco
invests considerable time and resources in ensuring its technologies are
protected via layers of patents wherever possible.

In this way Stanelco believes it can minimise commercial risk and preserve the
highest value for shareholders.

The products offering the prospect of near term revenue generation are being
given priority over the Group's resources.

Stanelco was founded in 1953 and is a world leader in the development of radio
frequency technologies for processing polymers for edible and packaging
applications and the design and manufacture of optical fibre technology,
induction heating and dielectric welding equipment.  Stanelco's Current
developments include GREENSEAL Food tray lidding technology, STARPOL (starch /
pva blended material), FrogPack high impact low cost packaging format,
CradleWrap range of biodegradable air cushion packaging, Soluble tape, 100%
water-soluble films and adhesives, Biodegradable Airbag (void fill) packaging,
water-soluble detergent capsules, edible sachets and waste packing.

GREENSEAL, STARPOL, Frog Pack and CradleWrap are all trademarks of the Stanelco
plc group.


About PIRA International

Pira is a leading commercial consultancy, testing and media business which
specialises in retail supply chain technologies related to industries such as
packaging, paper, plastics, printing, publishing and consumer goods. Pira has
established a reputation as one of the key knowledge providers in these industry
sectors.


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