Innovation Exchange Challenge: New Insulation Materials for Enhanced Sustainable Lintel Products

Background

Established in 1969, Catnic has become a prominent global manufacturer with products specified and installed in thousands of buildings throughout the UK, Europe and Asia. The steel used in all the Company’s lintel products is 100% recyclable, with zero degradation in the material’s properties when recycled. However, the foam insulation that provides outstanding thermal performance in the building is generated using fossil fuel-derived chemicals. Thus, the challenge being set is to conduct a feasibility study to support the development of a reduced carbon, fully recyclable, cost- competitive, plaster-compatible new insulation material for lintel products that at least matches the performance characteristics of the existing fossil-fuel based foam system.

Catnic currently have approximately 35% of the UK lintel market, manufacturing over 25,000m per week, and have solus supplier deals with many of the major house builders.

The Challenge

The aim is to replace the expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is currently used in the lintels with a sustainable material. This will primarily be a new insulating material, moving from an oil based expanded polystyrene to more sustainable materials.

The solution should retain all existing in-use performance characteristics but offer reduced embodied carbon and full recyclability. Current reliance on the use of virgin fossil fuel-derived chemicals will be eliminated, helping to drive down the environmental impact of the construction sector.

The new insulation material will address possible legislative challenges. Technology providers should be looking to develop more sustainable material solutions, further widening the adoption of circularity in the steel and construction sectors.

Eligibility

Entrants to this competition must be:

• Micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)

Your project must:

• Have a grant funding request up to £25,000
• Last up to 3 months
• Carry out its project work in the UK
• Intend to exploit the results from or in the UK
• Project start date 1st February 2025

Rewards & Benefits

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch their solution to Catnic. The winning pitch, as selected by Catnic, will be trialled with potential for further adoption if trials are successful. The successful applicants will receive up to £25k funding.

The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:

• Support from Innovate UK Business Connect
• Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
• Technical support
• Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events
• A potential business collaboration
• Investor introductions (if investment is required)
• Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.