GRAPHENE NANOCHEM PLC 
By 7 April 2014
Graphene NanoChem plc
("Graphene NanoChem " or the "Group ")
Heads of Agreement signed with Emery Advanced Materials
Graphene NanoChem (AIM: GRPH), the performance nanochemicals and advanced materials company, is pleased to announce that Platinum NanoChem Sdn Bhd, its wholly-owned subsidiary has signed a heads of agreement for a joint venture collaboration ("Joint Venture") with Emery Advanced Materials ("Emery"), a subsidiary of Emery Oleochemicals Sdn Bhd., focused on developing a new generation of speciality chemicals for plastic additives, biolubricants and rubber.
Emery Group is one of the world's largest producers of oleochemical products derived from renewable sources, with market presence in North America, Europe and Asia.
This agreement is in line Graphene NanoChem's strategy to develop new applications for its graphene nanomaterials through an industry partnership model. The combined market for the three application areas is estimated to exceed US$100 billion. Through the planned joint venture, Emery and Graphene NanoChem will work together to create a plan based on market dynamics for the development of a new generation of ready-to-use graphene-enhanced speciality chemical additives for the end markets identified.
The enhancement of this new range of chemicals with graphene will improve the fundamental characteristics and performance of the end host materials, be it in rubber, polymer or lubricants, by increasing its strength, conductivity, flexibility and load bearing capability.
The joint venture will be a strategic step change for Graphene NanoChem, as it will enable the Group to partner with the world's leading natural-based chemicals provider and leverage on Emery's position to accelerate the market adoption of graphene-enhanced products across Europe, North America and Asia.
Jespal Deol, Chief Executive Officer of Graphene NanoChem, commented: "We are very excited about developing this new applications platform with a global market leader in the production of speciality chemical additives. This represents a significant opportunity for us in expanding our commercialisation efforts for graphene-enhanced chemicals into high value market segments. For example, working with Emery, which is headquartered in Malaysia, on rubber applications provides a natural advantage as Malaysia is one of the world's largest producers of natural rubber, and applications for thinner condoms and stronger medical gloves present immediate opportunities for the planned joint venture."
Ramesh Kana, Senior Vice President, Emery Oleochemicals & Managing Director of Emery Advanced Materials, explained: "We are currently developing the next generation of nanocarbon-based materials which can be used in various applications, from engineered rubber compounds to high performing polyurethane."
Dr. Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO of Emery Oleochemicals added: "The Emery Group is committed to innovation in expanding its portfolio of specialty products and the smart partnership with Graphene NanoChem reflects its ongoing development for growth."
For further information:
Graphene NanoChem | Tel: +603 2282 3080 |
Jespal Deol, Chief Executive Officer | |
Panmure Gordon (NOMAD and Broker) | |
Callum Stewart / Atholl Tweedie | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7886 2500 |
Tom Nicholson | Tel: +65 8614 7553 |
Buchanan | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000 |
Mark Edwards / Fiona Henson / Helen Greenwood |
About Graphene NanoChem
Graphene Nanochem is an advanced chemicals and materials company and is structured into two operating divisions.
The chemical division manufactures and markets a range of speciality esters from palm waste and has obtained a leading market position in industry with a range of blue chip customers including a number of top tier oil and gas companies.
The advanced materials division produces graphene nanomaterials on a commercial scale to enable the development of a graphene-enhanced products portfolio, targeting high performance industry applications. The graphene nanomaterials division operates through three business models:
· The integrator model
The Company owns and manages the entire innovation process shouldering the bulk of the risks and also reaping the highest payback, primarily through wholly-owned or joint venture models
· The orchestrator model
The Company coordinates significant aspects of innovation but executes only part of the process through collaborations with strategic partners driving a clear path to revenue generation and commercialisation
· The licensor model
The Company is the primary owner of the ideal or the intellectual property but is not directly involved in its realisation or implementation. This model, whilst may result in less cash, enables the Company to generate higher margins with minimal risks
Headquartered in Malaysia, Graphene Nanochem was admitted to the AIM of the London Stock Exchange on 26 March 2013, following the reverse acquisition of Biofutures International plc, and trades under the symbol GRPH.L.
To find out more, please visitwww.graphenenanochem.com.
About Emery Oleochemicals Sdn Bhd
Emery Oleochemicals is a leading producer of natural-based chemicals made predominantly from natural oils and fats such as palm kernel oil and tallow with an extensive product portfolio, including renewable solutions for the Agro Green, Bio-Lubricants, Eco-Friendly Polyols, Green Polymer Additives, Home & Personal Wellness and Oleo Basics markets. With revenue of US$1 billion, Emery Oleochemicals is headquartered in Malaysia with manufacturing plants spanning three continents - Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. Emery Oleochemicals' global operations are backed by a diverse workforce and an extensive distribution network covering over 50 countries worldwide.
Emery Oleochemicals is a 50:50 joint venture partnership between Sime Darby Plantation and PTT Global Chemical International Pte Ltd.
This information is provided by RNS
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