Symphony Env. Regulatory News (SYM)

10 Apr 2008 11:59

Symphony Environmental Tech. PLC10 April 2008 For Immediate Release 10th April 2008 SYMPHONY ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES PLC TIGERBRANDS - SOUTH AFRICA LAUNCH d2w(R) OXO-BIODEGRADABLE BREAD PACKAGING Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc ("Symphony" or "the Company"), thedegradable plastics and waste-to-energy Group, is very pleased to announce thefollowing sales success with Albany Bakeries by its wholly-owned subsidiary,Symphony Environmental Ltd. Albany Bakeries of South Africa, a subsidiary of the leading food company TigerBrands has a substantial share of the national bread market and owns 12 majorbread plants that produce Albany Superior; Olde Cape; D'light and Everyday breadranges. Albany bread is the group's biggest user of packaging and has launchedSymphony's d2w(R) oxo-biodegradable plastic packaging for all their breadproducts. Tiger Brands is one of the largest food producers in the world tocommit to reducing the potential for plastic pollution by their packaging. This packaging is being manufactured for Albany Bakeries in South Africa bythree of the largest plastic producers, using high-speed machines and AlbanyBakeries' new d2w(R) oxo-biodegradable bread bags will mean that around 3,000tonnes of packaging will no longer be contributing to the accumulation ofplastic waste in the environment. This breakthrough into the South African food-sector was achieved throughSymphony's nominated distributor, Self-Destruct Plastics, who report thatcurrent sales for Symphony's d2w(R) additives and products have exceeded alltheir expectations. Meghan Draddy Packaging Development Manager - Grains: Cereals; Milling & Bakingof Tiger Brands (South Africa), said: "We are pleased to announce our ground-breaking co-operation with SymphonyEnvironmental Limited to protect the environment from the accumulation ofplastic waste. Following three years of discussions, trials, testing andperformance analysis, Tiger Brands has become South Africa's first national foodcompany to tackle the litter and plastic-waste pollution unavoidably resultingfrom bakery operations. Although plastic is the best packaging option, its reputation is tarnished bythe fact that plastic manufactured in 2008 will outlive those who make it; butd2w(R) additives and products change all that. By this decision Tiger Brands hasset a path for others to follow. Up to 3,000 tonnes of potential litter andwaste per year will now degrade and then biodegrade, within a short timescale,leaving no methane, no fragments and no harmful residues." Commenting on the product launch, Michael Laurier, Chief Executive of SymphonyEnvironmental Technologies plc, said: "We are delighted to be jointly announcing with Tiger Brands this majorenvironmental breakthrough. This is extremely important news for South Africaand sets an excellent example to many other users of plastic packagingthroughout the world. In addition to bread bags, a carrier-bag, a heavyshrink-wrap, or a plastic bottle, can be made if using our standard d2w(R)degradable plastic technology to totally self-destruct within a period ofbetween 6 months and two years (depending on environmental conditions) insteadof polluting the land and the sea for decades." We expect this important step to be the first of many developments in SouthAfrica. Symphony's d2w(R) degradable plastic technology is rapidly becomingknown as the market leader throughout the world and with South Africa'sprogressive attitude on environmental issues we are delighted to have increasedour participation in this important market." For further information, please contact: Symphony Michael Laurier, CEO Tel: 020 8207 5900 Ian Bristow, FD HB Corporate Rod Venables Tel: 020 7510 8600 Further information on the Symphony Environmental Technologies Group ofcompanies: SYMPHONY ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES PLC is a world leader in oxo-biodegradableplastic technology. The technology is recognised by the d2w(R) droplet logo onthousands of tonnes of oxo-biodegradable plastic products. In the last 12 monthsit is estimated that more than 5 Billion plastic products have been made withSymphony's d2w(R) pro-degradant additives. Symphony has a diverse and growing customer base and has successfullyestablished itself as an international business. Its d2w(R) products can alreadybe found in more than 60 countries. Symphony is proud to be a member of theOxo-biodegradable Plastics Association (www.biodeg.org). Symphony is also developing innovative waste-to-energy technology and isdeveloping cost-effective processes to convert plastics, tyres and other wastestreams into valuable products. Further information on the Symphony Group can be found at www.degradable.net This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange