New Materials and Processes

Jun 10 2009 By The Journal

TO the casual observer the process and materials industry may not at first seem like an industry to throw the region’s hopes behind, but the North East is actually home to a phenomenally creative research sector.

Plastic electronics with a mind-boggling array of uses from clothing to drug delivery, bio-fingerprinting that can take instant DNA samples at the touch of a glass, and engineering at the molecular level are just some of the products causing experts to predict huge growth across the sector.

Indeed the region's materials and process industries are already vital to the North East's economy and to that of the country as a whole.

Now the attention is turning to growing the sector with help for local businesses.

Nigel Perry, chief executive at process research group CPI, said: "As mankind demands a more sustainable lifestyle, the North East will continue to provide solutions."