(Alliance News) - Abingdon Health PLC on Thursday said that it has partnered with Morrama Ltd to accelerate the development of plastic free lateral flow housings.

Abingdon is a York, England-based company, which specialises in developing and manufacturing rapid lateral flow tests, while Morrama is a UK-based certified B-Corp design agency.

Together, the firms will invest in Eco-Flo Innovations Ltd, a new company focused on developing sustainable product design solutions for the lateral flow market.

As part of the agreement Morrama will assign the intellectual property of its eco-flo material to Eco-Flo Innovations. Eco-flo is a plastic-free, compostable cassette.

Together, the companies plan to make their first cassette available within the next twelve months. The brand-new plastic-free cassette will be manufactured in the UK, using renewable plant fibre moulding technology that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 80% compared to the equivalent single-use plastic.

The Eco-Flo Innovations team are already exploring ways to remove or switch out the remaining plastic content in tests as well as other aspects of lateral flow product design such as product packaging.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Morrama to support the development of innovative, environmentally friendlier components and packing solutions for the lateral flow industry. Alongside Jo and the team at Morrama, we are keen to lead this change and provide our customers with viable sustainable alternatives to the traditional materials currently used," said Abingdon Chief Executive Officer Chris Yates.

Abingdon Health shares were trading 1.0% lower at 11.14 pence each in London on Thursday at noon.

By Holly Beveridge, Alliance News reporter

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