Trading Update

Porvair PLC
10 October 2002


Immediate Release                                           10 October 2002



                           Porvair plc ('the Group')

                                 Trading update

At the time of our interim statement in June we noted challenging trading
conditions, particularly in our US markets. These conditions continue, and as a
result profit before tax for the year ending November 30th 2002 (excluding
goodwill amortisation)  is likely to be below market expectations. The Group
however still expects to be profitable in 2002, even after R&D expense in excess
of £5 million.

In response the Group has cut operational costs and accelerated the introduction
of new products within the core businesses. This cost reduction is expected to
save £2m in a full year. A significant proportion of this saving will be made in
Selee, and will underpin an improved performance in the coming year even at the
current sales run rates. Good progress has been made with the new filters
developed by Selee and introduced at the interim stage, initial commercial
orders have been received, and this product line will start to grow in the
months ahead. Selee is now well set to benefit when market conditions improve.
The European filtration businesses continue to perform strongly as outlined at
the interim stage.

Expenditure on R&D is being maintained. Investors will remember that this
expenditure - £2.9m at the interim stage - is a significant proportion of our
declared profit. As we have outlined in previous statements, it is an investment
in our future. The Group remains very excited about the prospects for the
materials under development and is increasingly confident that commercial orders
will be received in 2003 - well ahead of our initial timeframe.

Despite difficult trading, the Group's tight cash management remains, and the
Board sees no reason to change its dividend policy, reflecting its confidence in
the medium and longer term prospects for Porvair.

            Contacts:


Ben Stocks, Chief Executive

Mark Moran, Group Finance Director

Porvair plc                                                 01553 761111

Charles Ryland / Catherine Miles

Buchanan Communications                                     020 7466 5000






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