A non-woven textile made fromrecycled PET plastic bottles and other single-use plastics is now being used for heat insulation in mushroom production.
The eco-engineered products manufactured by Bradford-based Texfelt are used in sofas to provide comfort and support alongside the SpringBond carpet underlay range.
Working withinsulationmanufacturer Boulder Developments, Texfelt has provided a leading mushroom producer with a specific blend of its SpringBond product to be used inside polytunnels. Three layers of the bespoke 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.
The introduction of SpringBond into the agriculture sector represents a diversification into new markets for the company.
SpringBondis fullyrecyclable at the end of its useable life and, because it contains no PU foam, there are no harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds)meaning better air quality in its environments.Itoffers maximum performance with minimal environmental impact, according to the company.
Texfelt supplied the insulation at half the standard circumference, as required for use in the tunnels, and the textiles manufacturer is expecting to see 200,000 plastic bottles recycled within the polytunnels this year alone.
James Taylor, managing director at Texfelt, said: “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.”
