At the show BioMedia extended its eponymous range of biodegradable plastic substrates with a coated media suitable for water-based (aqueous) printers, and formed a distribution partnership with Epson.

The move follows a "soft launch" of the uncoated media, suitable for Epson’s Stylus Pro GS6000 eco solvent printer at Ipex last month.

"Initially we were asked by a UK government agency to produce a material that worked like a laminated print, looked like a laminated print and lasted like a laminated print and that was durable for 10 years; was PVC-free and 100% biodegradable," said Sanderson. "An added advantage we’ve found is that it’s a proper lay flat banner material, and it’s not stupidly expensive – costing £1.16 per A2 for the 200micron thickness, which is comparable with the price of a laminated paper product."

Under the deal with Epson BioMedia will work with Epson’s RIP partners to develop ICC profiles for the stock, and the product will be available via Epson dealers.

BioMedia is a PET that has a microorganism added to it that in the dark, warm and moist conditions of landfill or composting will cause the plastic to decompose to a dust. Sanderson said that although ideally all plastics would be recycled, there were still issues with the end of life for plastics, and it was preferable that a product would break down harmlessly over a few years if landfilled rather than remaining intact for perpetuity.