Partner Article

Bradford Manufacturer Boosts Mushroom Production With 200,000 Plastic Bottles

SpringBond, a unique non-woven textile made from recycled PET plastic bottles and other ‘single use’ plastics in Bradford is now being used as a heat insulation product to support the growth of mushrooms.

The eco-engineered products manufactured by Bradford-based Texfelt, are already being used in sofas to provide comfort and support alongside the innovative SpringBond carpet underlay range. The introduction of SpringBond into the agriculture sector, represents the company diversifying into new markets.

Working closely with leading manufacturer of insulation, Boulder Developments, Texfelt has provided one of the largest mushroom producers in the world with a specific blend of its flagship product to be used inside polytunnels. Three layers of the bespoke eco engineered insulation media are used within the polytunnels to create a warm, humid environment to provide optimum growing conditions and reduce the energy input.

Texfelt’s ability to supply the insulation at half the standard circumference, which is required for use in the tunnels, set it apart from its competitors, and the textiles manufacturer is expecting to see 200,000 plastic bottles recycled within the polytunnels this year alone.

William Bown, Director at Boulder Developments, said: “We were one of SpringBond’s first customers after the new production line was commissioned and the service we’ve received since then has been exceptional. It’s great to work with another manufacturer which cares as much as we do about providing our clients with products tailored for a specific need and environment.”

James Taylor, Managing Director at Texfelt continued: “We’re always looking into how we can diversify into new markets. SpringBond is used in furniture as well as on film sets for sound proofing, but the agriculture sector is a new avenue for us. Mushrooms have such a unique growing system so we’re tremendously proud to have produced a bespoke blend that helps to re-create a natural habitat.”

Texfelt’s SpringBond is fully recyclable at the end of its useable life and, because it contains no PU foam, there are no harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) meaning better air quality in its environments. It offers maximum performance with minimal environmental impact.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Umpf .