Stockport manufacturer secures support for low carbon innovation

A Stockport manufacturer is among 80 businesses developing low carbon innovation in partnership with leading universities through the Eco-I North West programme. Fibrestar Drums, based in Hazel Grove, manufacture fibre drums and products for the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and automotive industries, and through the programme is partnering with Lancaster University to research and develop new materials and solutions which will have a lasting impact on the environment. Eco-I North West, a £14 million research and development programme to enable a transition to a low carbon economy in all sectors. The project offers hundreds of North West businesses the opportunity to access the extensive knowledge base, cutting-edge research facilities, and skills of six of the region’s leading universities – Lancaster, Central Lancashire, Cumbria, Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores and Manchester Metropolitan. Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Eco-I North West will work with more than 300 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region and in all sectors over the next two years, supporting the development of 135 new innovative solutions which will save 3,850 tonnes of CO2. Commenting on Fibrestar Drums’ involvement, Colin Pardoe, Managing Director (pictured), said: “For the last two years we have been innovating to produce Europe’s first conical and nestable 100% fibre (kraft) container primarily for the agricultural sector which is edible by livestock with no waste, as well as having 66% less CO2 than a plastic pail and helping soil enrichment which also acts as a carbon sink. “Working with Lancaster University through the Eco-I NW programme we are driving that innovation forward to explore how we can apply our product to other materials for applications in other sectors. It is an exciting opportunity to access world-class academic expertise and facilities for innovation and develop solutions which will have a lasting impact on the environment, while supporting the growth of the business.”

For more information on Stockport manufacturer secures support for low carbon innovation talk to Fibrestar Drums Ltd