The European project Biocomp began in May ‘05 and since then it has been looking at developing high quality composites materials made entirely from renewable resources. By using bio-derived resins combined with natural fibres rather than petrochemical-based products the environmental sustainability and eco-efficiency (throughout the life cycle of the product) are significantly improved. Biocomp looks to ensure that new materials are also more commercially viable than the current selection by addressing issues such as weight and cost reduction, resource-saving and improvement of mechanical properties.

To aid this Smithers Rapra has been providing complimentary access to an abstracts database which covers published research on bio-derived resins including polylactides and starches, along with natural fibres like sisal, flax and jute. The contents date from 1972 to present and the database is continually being updated with new records.

The Biocomp database along with the current awareness Bulletin service have been made available to anyone within the EU who would like access and have proven to be very popular.

It’s not too late to sign up!
Although the project officially ends on 30th September ’08, you can still register for access to the Library and/or Bulletins which will be running up until the end of March ’09 – visit www.biocomp.eu.com and click on the ‘Library of Information’ link.