FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When and why was BioViron formed?

The company was launched in 2005 following extensive product research and development in order to bring to market leading edge products that meet 2 key requirements: to be both eco-friendly and commercially viable.

What Products does BioViron offer?

BioViron now offers range of leading edge products that can help companies and the public sector meet their “carbon footprint” objectives

• The company’s core GreenCell^TM packaging products (see Q.2)
• A range of ‘off the shelf’ and ‘made to measure’ BioViron cool boxes
• Bio-compostible film for insulation and product packaging
• A newly developed range of electro-thermal Waste Reduction Systems

What New Products are in the plans?

BioViron is looking at introducing new applications for existing materials, these currently include wine shippers, insulation materials, envelope inserts and new medical and foodstuff applications both for packaging and waste reduction

Q.2) About GreenCell^TM

How is Green Cell™ available?

Green Cell™ is available in sheet form  All sheets are 600mm wide. Lengths are available from 900mm to 2337mm. Thicknesses range from 3mm to 76.2mm. Densities are 35.3kg/m³- 80.2kg/m³.

BioViron also offers added a range of standard "off-the-shelf" and "made to measure" applications for Green Cell™ packaging, including pre-fabricated sheets in alternative sizes plus a range of Cool Boxes and shippers that can be produced to meet specific commercial needs. 

How does Green Cell™ compare to existing foams?

Green Cell™ is similar in price and performance to polyethylene and polyurethane foams, and requires fabrication rather then molding. Green Cell’s™ anisotropic properties (different cushioning properties in each direction) provide the added element of versatility in packaging design performance. One material is all you need for blocking, bracing and shock/vibration protection..

How does Green Cell™ compare to polystyrene?

Customers may look to Green Cell™ as a ready replacement for polystyrene foam. While there has been limited success as an EPS replacement, Green Cell™ does NOT match EPS price points as it is more expensive and requires fabrication, which usually costs more then molding. Green Cell’s™ cushioning performance exceeds that of EPS. At BioViron we caution prospective customers that  Green Cell™ may not be a good replacement for EPS due to the prospect of higher costs but we will do our best to meet their needs. Through this discussion we manage the customer’s expectations and present the company and material in a straightforward and honest manner. We may not get the order this time but the door will remain open for future business.

How easy is it to fabricate Green Cell™?

Green Cell™ can be easily and effectively cut with foam saws, contour saws and rotary saws.  Similar to PE and PU foam, there may be some dusting as a result of saw cutting. Die-cutting works very well with Green Cell™ and eliminated the dusting issue. Die-cutting Green Cell™ can be with a serated edge or straight edge blades Die-blade design and depth need to be considered carefully to ensure quality and operational efficiencies. 

Will Green Cell™ laminate to corrugate?

Green Cell™ can be easily laminated to corrugate or to itself using a PVA based adhesive , hot-melt or starch-based glue. Water can also be used but requires tight tolerances to ensure proper adhesion without melting the foam.

Can Green Cell™ foam be substituted for other synthetic foams?

Green Cell™ is an excellent substitute for other fabricated foams. Since Green Cell’s™ performance properties are different then PE or PU (anisotropic vs. isotropic), a simple substitution of Green Cell™ for PE or PU foam in an existing  design usually does not work functionally or economically. A better approach is to redesign the package to minimise costs and maximise efficiency.

What markets are best suited for Green Cell™ foam?

Green Cell™ has a proven track record in all forms of packaging and insulation, including automotive aftermarket, electronics and medical markets.

• In the automotive aftermarket, where packaging is single use, Green Cell™ has been used to protect windshields and windows, bumper covers, running boards and electronic components. For these applications Green Cell™ is Class A approved to prevent scratching and marring.
• In the electronics market  Green Cell™ has been used to protect hard drives, video players, thermal printers and consoles. For use in these applications Green Cell™ is a naturally ant-static foam.
• Since Green Cell™ is an all-natural material it is also advantageous for medical/scientific uses and for packing fruits, vegetables, beverages and foodstuffs

What are the recommended ways to dispose of Green Cell™?

Green Cell™ provides unmatched convenience when it’s time for disposal. Here are recommended disposal methods.

• Compost it!  Green Cell™ biodegrades in 7-10 days.
• Drown it!  Green Cell™ biodegrades in freshwater and saltwater.
• Dissolve it!  Green Cell™ easily dissolves- safe for pipes and septic systems.
• Burn it! Green Cell™ burns cleanly and safely – no harmful fumes.
• Recycle it! Green Cell™ can be recycled with corrugated and paper materials.

Why are companies interested in Green Cell™?

Green Cell™ foam is the only cushioning material made from sustainable technology. Companies are looking for environmentally –friendly products that provide performance without a price penalty. Green Cell™ reduces a company’s carbon footprint and is  much more price stable than PE and PU foams, as it does not rely on fossil fuels as the base feedstock.

Q.3) New Product Development

Is BioViron^TM interested in adding new products?

Yes, we are constantly developing and seeking leading edge products that meet our 2 key requirements: to be both eco-friendly and commercially viable.

If your company or research organization has products or applications that fit these requirements, we are interested in knowing more about you.