A new factory in Aberdeen is to produce an “extraordinary new innovation” in internal wall insulation designed to make homes warmer and healthier.
The site will supply Matilda’s Blanket for Aberdeenshire’s Housing Improvement Programme. The product, created by Matilda’s Planet, is described a “practical and tailored” insulation product that can be retrofitted and reduces energy bills by up to 50%.
Matilda’s Planet is a social enterprise founded by philanthropist and social entrepreneur David Evans MBE. He said, “When my daughter Matilda was five, she told me to save the planet. A small request, but a noble goal to which I have devoted my time and resources.
“People need warm, dry, healthy homes. The planet needs us to be energy efficient and eco-friendly. Matilda’s Planet provides both.
“Working with government and social landlords, I will open fabrication facilities wherever they can benefit the local community.”
Matilda’s Planet intends to open several more fabrication facilities in Scotland over the next eighteen months, with projections for 50 throughout the UK over five years.
The opening of the new factory has created seven new jobs directly and between 50 and 60 indirectly.
Kevin Stewart, Scotland’s Minister for Local Government and Housing attended the official opening. He said, “I am delighted to be here today to open this new facility. Earlier this week the Scottish Government announced our new Energy Efficient Scotland programme, setting out our vision for all buildings in Scotland to be warmer, greener and more energy efficient.
“Innovative solutions offered by Matilda’s Planet Scotland will help us achieve that goal and we are thrilled to welcome them to Aberdeen. I applaud the work being done here, and the investment in local people.”
Energy Action Scotland, a charity with a remit to end fuel poverty, states that 649,000 households in Scotland are living in fuel poverty.
