This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation No. 596/2014, which forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended).

9 October 2023

Graft Polymer (UK) PLC

Consolidating innovative leadership and contract momentum, Graft Polymer announces pivotal agreement within European consortium for the University of Belgrade to explore scope for addressing electromagnetic wave pollution, with potential economic impact for the electronics industry

Graft Polymer, (LSE:GPL) the multi-sector specialist chemical company offering modified and alloyed polymer and bio-polymer solutions for refiners, compounders and processors, is pleased to announce an agreement as part of the French, German and Slovenian consortium being coordinated by Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences at the National Institute of the Republic of Serbia within the University of Belgrade. This relates to the GrinShield Project Twinning programme for new graphene based composites in electromagnetic interference shielding (Gr. Num. 101079151, HORIZON CSA).  

Intense growth in both the telecommunication and electronics industries in recent years has made the use of electronic devices part of everyday life, making pollution caused by Electromagnetic Waves (EWs) emitted from mobile phones, WiFi and microwave ovens ubiquitous. EM radiation has been known to interact with medical devices and interference with other electronic devices is well established and understood, and there is widespread concern on potential impacts on human health. There is resultant high demand for textiles which can absorb EWs and the GrinShield project, exploring the scope for new nanomaterials to act as a protective barrier, is a key example of new innovation in the development of EW shielding materials.

Graft Polymer will leverage its proprietary production of GRAFTALLOY® MP-UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) and apply its unique NANO graphene emulsion GRAFTASYNT® G-NE & GRAFTASYNT® D-Graphene to the resultant alloy. The Company will then prepare samples for testing by the Institute and agree on testing procedures ahead of a joint R&D report being produced. The project is due to last until autumn 2025.  

This opportunity builds on Graft Polymer's progress with these cutting edge products, testament to its innovative leadership in the polymers market. It is almost impossible to melt Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene owing to its high melt viscosity, giving it advantageous characteristics including strong impact, abrasion, chemical and radiation resistance. Graphene also has remarkable properties, most notably its electrical conductivity, thermal stability, impermeability and exceptional mechanical resistance which make it the most promising nanotechnological additive in the plastics industry. The outcome of this project has potential to have a significant economic impact on the electronics industry.

This agreement comes at a time when the Company has dynamic commercial momentum with contract, manufacturing, supply, distribution and R&D agreement signings, and is further evidence of strong relationships with key R&D institutions. It also leverages Graft Polymer's expanded Slovenian facility which is crucial in providing reliable supply capacity and meeting customer requirements.

Commenting on the agreement, Graft Polymer Founder and Managing Director Victor Bolduev said: "This agreement is further acknowledgement of our compelling product innovation and R&D capabilities, and our success in forging joint development programmes through customer mandates at the forefront of polymer evolution in new markets".

On behalf of the Vinca Institute, Professor Snezana Pajovic commented: "Graft Polymer's proposition and competitive advantage in innovating and manufacturing unique products in the polymers market are truly impressive and we look forward to working with them on this pivotal project".

ENDS

For further information, visit www.graftpolymer.com, follow on Twitter @PolymerLtd or contact:

Graft Polymer (UK) Plc

Roby Zomer, Non Executive Chairman                                       Via Flagstaff

Yifat Steur, Finance Director

Turner Pope Investments                                                           Tel:+44 (0) 20 3657 0050

James Pope

Andy Thacker

Flagstaff Strategic and Investor Communications                   Tel + 44 (0) 207 129 1474

Tim Thompson                                                                                      [email protected]       

Mark Edwards

Alison Allfrey

Anna Probert

About Graft Polymer

Graft Polymer is a London Stock Exchange listed company (GPL) with a cutting-edge, research and development (R&D) and manufacturing facility based in Slovenia which has already introduced more than 50 products to the market. The core business of the Group comprises polymer modification and drug delivery system developments. The Group has developed a proprietary set of polymer modification technologies, including using recycled raw materials and a closed loop system to reduce waste. Graft Polymer's technology can improve existing products and processing methodologies by enhancing performance, simplifying manufacturing, reducing material consumption, widening the choice of feedstocks, and reducing costs.

Graft Polymer has three divisions: the first division focusses on polymer modification; the second is GraftBio which develops IP for Bio/Pharma applications (including a drug delivery system to support and provide solutions to the market, which had been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic); and the third is the Group's food supplement division. A significant milestone was reached in May 2022 when the Slovenian manufacturing facility was granted a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certificate. The HACCP Certificate allows it to enter the lucrative Business-to-Consumer market and commercialise its IP for bio/pharma applications, developing active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug delivery platforms for use in the food supplement market, thereby introducing a further revenue stream to its business.

Environment, Social and Governance is at the forefront of the Group's strategy and the facility in Slovenia has been granted ISO 14001 accreditation in recognition of the environmental management systems in place to reduce waste. Graft Polymer only uses REACH and ROHS certificated raw materials instead of toxic raw materials, and its extensive R&D programme has also developed specialised recycling polymer additives which increases the strength of recycled blends and plastic products whilst also reducing plastic waste by between 40 and 50 per cent.