Biome Tech Regulatory News (BIOM)

10 May 2005 07:00

Stanelco PLC10 May 2005 10 May 2005 Stanelco PLC ("Stanelco") Update on Youngs Bluecrest Production Trials Stanelco, the RF (radio frequency) applications group, is pleased to announcethat following its recently announced contract with ASDA, the first stage offull-scale production trials with Youngs Bluecrest has now been completed. For atwo-week period fresh salmon has been sold using our GREENSEAL technology as thesealing process. The results of these trials have been extremely encouraging. Over the two-week period of the trials sales of the product packed and sold inthe selected ASDA stores have grown by 21%. Stanelco has been informed by ASDAthat this increase is as a direct result of a number of factors directlyattributable to our technology. Key amongst these is a more attractive lookingpack than the current product. In addition there were no reported leaking packsand waste at store level was reduced. Independent analysis carried out by Law Laboratories has also identified bettervisual appearance and a fresher taste as the product reaches its end of shelflife date. In addition microbiological analysis has also indicated that there isstrong evidence that an extra days' product life could be achieved. Tony Ruane, Technical Manager at ASDA said: "The benefits are now proving to be substantially beyond our original thinkingand as a result we will look to accelerate the introduction of this technologyto full scale commercial production. "The second trial is commencing on Wednesday 11th May at Hitchens Foods, wherewe will be trialling the process on layered salads and other items in the ASDAown label range of Hitchens products." Ian Balchin, CEO of Stanelco commented: "These trials are producing benefits well beyond our expectations and we lookforward to the imminent commercial discussions that are now being arranged." Ends For further information please contact: Ian Balchin, Chief ExecutiveStanelco PLCTel: +44 (0)2380 867100 Jonathon Brill/Billy CleggFinancial DynamicsTel: +44 (0)20 7831 3113 Notes to Editors: About Stanelco Stanelco was founded in 1953 and is a world leader in the development of radiofrequency technologies for processing polymers for edible and packagingapplications and the design and manufacture of optical fibre technology,induction heating and dielectric welding equipment. The Company's current corebusiness is the manufacture of optical fibre using Radio Frequency (RF)technology. Stanelco has been applying its technology to other markets. Currentdevelopments include biodegradable air cushion packaging, sealing of low-costconventional plastics for food packaging, water-soluble detergent capsules,foamed starch trays, edible sachets and waste packing. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange