A Norfolk-based enterprise is set to receive a substantial £850,000 grant from Innovate UK, paving the way for the development of innovative and environmentally friendly shipping solutions in the region.

iBoxit, a startup established in 2018 at Norwich Research Park, secured this funding to spearhead the creation of eco-conscious packaging solutions for seafood shipments. The research initiative officially commenced at iBoxit's headquarters on Norwich Research Park on September 1.

John Farley, Founder and CEO of iBoxit, expressed, "iBoxit was created with a goal of giving something back – of creating sustainable, planet-friendly packaging in the hands of businesses to allow them to ship goods in a way that does the least possible damage to the environment. Thanks to this grant, we can really get to work on our new project and start to find a way to help the fishing industry cut down on pollution while still getting fresh, healthy food to people across the country."

The initiative received invaluable support from Laura Hill and her team at Norfolk County Council's Economic Development unit, in collaboration with Suffolk County Council, throughout the application process for innovation funding streams like Innovate UK. The Innovation Grant Mentoring Project provided advice, workshops, and expert mentors or bid writing coaches to help various business types, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, refine their innovative ideas and gain confidence in applying for innovation funding.

Cllr Fabian Eagle, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, highlighted the significant contributions of businesses like iBoxit in Norfolk's private sector, emphasizing the potential for innovation to create sustainable solutions and contribute to the region's economic growth.

The primary objective of this project is to develop an alternative to polystyrene packaging for the transportation of fresh seafood. Currently, the seafood industry heavily relies on polystyrene boxes filled with ice for shipping. These boxes take centuries to naturally degrade, resulting in considerable environmental impacts.

iBoxit aims to address this issue by exploring alternative approaches, such as using different washes for seafood before packaging, employing corrugated boxes with reusable ice packs, and developing composite plastic boxes made from recycled materials and strawberry plants.

With the backing of Norfolk County Council and in partnership with the University of East Anglia (UEA), iBoxit has assembled a project team set to commence their research in September, with the project slated to span 30 months.

The grant from Innovate UK, as part of the Better Food For All program, aligns with the organization's mission to support UK businesses in devising innovative solutions to address substantial nutrition challenges. iBoxit's proposal seeks to revolutionize packaging practices, particularly in the context of seafood transportation.

Innovate UK is at the forefront of driving innovation and investing in businesses committed to developing transformative solutions. iBoxit's proposal builds upon its previous achievements, including the creation of a film and spray for seafood preservation, enhancing shelf-life without compromising taste or nutritional value.

This project follows iBoxit's earlier successes, including the development of a lightweight pallet system that offers an environmentally friendly and reusable alternative to traditional wooden pallets in shipping and logistics, reducing weights, costs, and emissions.

For other enterprises based in Norfolk or Suffolk seeking assistance or information on the Innovation Grant Mentoring Project, and those interested in enhancing their bids for funding, resources can be found on the Innovation Grant Mentoring page.

Source:norfolk.gov.uk

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