Manufacturer uses recycled bottles to boost mushroom production

SpringBond, a 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, means the company has now diversified into another new markets.

Working with 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 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 says its 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 it 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, added: “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.”