Bagging a Carpet First
Redundant wool carpet has been turned into pioneering insulation blocks signalling an industry first.
Technology - from the country’s leading supplier of sheep’s wool insulation - has been developed as a green alternative to polystyrene and wood fibreboard.
Edenbloc comes from Second Nature UK, the firm from Dacre, near Penrith, which produces the Thermafleece range, and has been hailed a breakthrough in natural insulation.
Lake District Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) has given nearly £10,000 towards research and development. Co-ordinator Clive Wickham said the grants’ panel had been impressed on many fronts.
He explained: “Second Nature has already built up an enviable reputation around innovation and green technology. Effective insulation is the single most important factor in cutting energy consumption. Edenbloc will also safeguard local jobs.
“The first product of its kind in the UK, it reuses redundant carpet wool and is one hundred per cent natural. It’s 30 per cent more effective than wood fibreboards and is far more fire resistant than cellulose fibre.”
Edenbloc will appeal to builders, developers, home owners and those responsible for schools and community buildings, added Clive.
“In fact, anyone intent on doing their bit to save the planet will like this product. And Second Nature is donating free insulation to four not-for-profit projects to showcase the technology.”
The light-weight rigid insulation is made up of short wool fibres from carpet waste, bound together with naturally derived adhesives. It can also be used for soundproofing.
Government-backed SDF has helped over 400 Lake District community and environmental schemes with grants ranging from £40,000 to £100. It is particularly keen to support projects which have a climate change or renewable energy focus.
Although most of this year’s SDF funding has been allocated, another £180,000 is expected in April. For further information contact Clive on 01539 792661, email clive.wickham@lakedistrict.gov.uk
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• A picture is available from Mick Casey in the Communications Team on 01539 792683
NOTES FOR EDITORS
- More information about the National Park and the Authority's work on our website www.lakedistrict.gov.uk
- The Lake District is one of 14 National Parks. The others are: Brecon Beacons, the Cairngorms, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Loch Lomond and Trossachs, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, the Yorkshire Dales, the Broads and the New Forest
For further details please contact Mick Casey, LDNPA Media and Marketing Co-ordinator on 01539 792683.