BPF Welcomes Government’s Graphene Research Cash Injection

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has welcomed the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ (BIS) plans for a £50 million ‘leading-edge’ Global Research and Technology Hub which will unite UK researchers and businesses in a bid commercialise the material graphene.

BPF Director-General, Peter Davis said, ‘Graphene can be easily used with polymers as composites so this £50million to give the UK a world lead is most welcome. The chance to have flexible touch screens and advanced bio medical sensors is a huge step forward in technology".

The material, which was discovered by scientists at Manchester University, boasts an attractive list of strengths such as its efficiency and barrier properties, as well as its high conductivity and its lightweight – it’s the strongest and thinnest material ever measured. Possibilities of polymer graphene composites use have already been cited with promising application in packaging due to their impermeable barrier. Its environmental credentials have tipped the material for use in lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft and car parts amongst other applications.

Advances in the research of the material will expand the material’s credentials and accelerate its commercial potential. According to BIS, UK based researchers are in a ‘worldwide race’ to develop the materials commercial uses. The Hub will ensure leading researchers stay in Britain, leverage private sector investment and help develop a home grown high-tech industry.

ENDS

For all interviews, BPF logo and images, please contact Rita Ogole, Senior Public Relations and Communications Executive on 0207 457 5043 or email [email protected]