The firm worked alongside Porta Brands to develop Porta Bio, which uses no oil when it is produced.

The product has already been trialled in visual tests against traditional films used for lamination. Trials are being scaled up ahead of a full launch in 2008.

API Laminates managing director Andrew Stevenson  said: “The product will be available to go to market during 2007, but a large-scale launch has been set for 2008, once all tests are done and we have a supply chain in place.

“We have had a lot of interest in the concept and are currently working with Marks and Spencer.”

Most laminates do not biodegrade because of the polyester content, so when laminated products are sent to landfill, the film will not break down. Porta Brands’ Porta Bio is made from natural ingredients, rather than oil, so that it can be.