Strong trading continues through first half at Directa Plus

Graphene nanoplatelet technology company Directa Plus said on Wednesday that the strong trading it had seen in the first four months of the financial year had continued through the rest of the half-year, with trading in line with market expectations.

The AIM-traded firm said that in the environmental vertical, growth momentum was continuing at its subsidiary Setcar, which was also benefiting from customer demand driven by the higher prices for oil reclaimed from its remediation services.

In the emerging batteries vertical, the board said it was continuing to be pleased with the progress being made with its partner NexTech in lithium-sulfur batteries.

“Overall, the global market for graphene is estimated by different market research to be growing at a compound annual growth rate above 30%, with a particular focus on high quality, sustainably produced graphene such as that produced by Directa Plus,” the board said in its statement.

The company said it was continuing to develop both its production technology and suitable applications for its products.

“This is reflected in the growing intellectual property portfolio, which now comprises 55 granted patents alongside an ever-deeper base of know-how covering the core production technology, and the products launched or being developed by customers.

“Directa Plus continues to explore new vertical markets and is in negotiations with additional potential partners.”

At 1014 BST, shares in Directa Plus were up 5.98% at 124p.