Stormboard, made from mixed waste plastics and used as an alternative to plywood for hoardings and other applications, has been announced as joint winner of the M&S Big Innovation Pitch at Ecobuild 2017.
Manufactured by Protomax Plastics and distributed exclusively in the UK by Amari Plastics, Stormboard - which includes a printable grade called Stormboard SF - can be manufactured in any colour, doing away with the need for hoardings etc. to be covered in PVC etc before ending up in landfill.
Ecobuild’s Big Innovation Pitch is in its third consecutive year and supports M&S’ ‘Plan A’ sustainability strategy: to source responsibly, reduce waste and help communities, with the ultimate goal of becoming the world's most sustainable major retailer.
Imogen Cust, engineering R&D manager for property, development and facilities management at M&S, and one of the judges, said: “The winners stood out because they have used their industry knowledge and their passion to solve real life M&S challenges.”
Nico Stillwell, imagineer from Protomax Plastics said: “I didn’t expect to win at all. Our idea was so different because no one else was talking about recycling but it seems to have captured the imagination of M&S.”
Jamie Manifold of Amari Plastics added: “The word ‘innovation’ is sometimes over-used, but not in this case. Stormboard is a truly innovative material that addresses a global sustainability issue by reducing pressure on landfill.”