Corporate Vision Issue 4

24 CORPORATE VISION / Issue 4 2018 , Ecodek is featuring as the Recognised Leader for Composite DeckingManufacturing within the UK in Corporate Vision’s Best in Business awards. We profile the forward-thinking company to learnmore about its products and its aims for the future. Creating an Environment for the Future Established in 2002, Ecodek is the UK’s market leader in Wood Polymer Composite decking materials, and is subsequently a leading manufacturer in composite decking and cladding. As the UK’s market leader in WPC decking materials, the firm manufactured over one million linear metres of decking in 2017, consuming 3600 tonnes of recycled wood and plastic. An aspect which has contributed greatly to its success, Ecodek manufactures an innovative board system made entirely from ethically sourced hardwood waste and recycled high density polyethylene. Boasting an impressive background in the research and development of its products, Ecodek invests heavily in its laboratory and facilities, with the team continuously striving to develop more recycled composite content for its products. In order to help facilitate this, Ecodek is part of EU Research programs which help create new materials and helps develop new technology and production methods. One of the most significant of these EU Research and Innovation programmes as a whole is Horizon 2020. With nearly € 70 billion of funding available, Horizon 2020 will support projects that have the potential to create real impact and growth for Europe and tackle major European issues. The project is a Europe 2020 initiative aimed at securing Europe’s global competitiveness which has the political backing of Europe’s leaders and the Members of the European Parliament. Importantly, Ecodek is very proud to be part of three Horizon 2020 funded projects, namely FISSAC, GelClad and SmartPlant. Working together with several institutions, including European Universities, Ecodek is working towards developing bio-composite materials which can be used towards the manufacturing of building products. Upholding its sterling reputation, the company has achieved ‘carbon negative’ status to produce its composite decking system. A life-cycle assessment programme, undertaken by the BioComposites Centre of Bangor University, considered production of the decking on a cradle to 1804CV28 South Bank Tower ©