THE UK’s first dedicated natural fibre insulation mill, based in Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders, is now up and running.
Following years of research and several funding rounds, IndiNature is beginning the manufacture of sustainable construction insulation on an industrial scale.
IndiTherm is described as a flexible thermal insulation batt made from industrial hemp sourced from UK farms. It is said to help tackle climate change by having a net capture of carbon. IndiTherm by IndiNature is the company’s first product and is now available from merchants throughout the UK.
While working in community development and witnessing poor housing conditions, CEO and co-founder Scott Simpson was motivated to improve the health of people and the planet by focusing on creating a sustainable built environment.
He explained, “We’re delighted to be manufacturing healthy, carbon negative insulation at scale, using traditional crops from UK farms combined with new technologies. There’s a growing global demand for sustainable construction materials like IndiTherm, with vapour breathability to preserve buildings and create healthy indoor air quality reducing damp and mould.
“They’re also pleasant to handle and and healthy for installers. We’ve brought a skilled team together to establish the IndiNature Mill, drawing on the manufacturing and textiles heritage of the Borders. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to get to this point and we’re now excited to be able to supply.”
IndiTherm flexible insulation batts are described as just the beginning of the journey for IndiNature, as it develops new insulation products, with thermal and acoustic IndiBoards and a full IndiBreathe system set to be launched in 2023.
Patrick Harvie MSP and Scottish Government minister for zero carbon buildings, recently visited the mill to discuss environmental challenges and how IndiNature is helping to meet global climate commitments.
He said, “Developing climate-friendly solutions to heat and insulate our homes should be seen not only as a challenge which must be met to deliver on our climate obligations, but as a substantial opportunity for the sector and the wider economy. I was pleased to visit IndiNature to find out more about their innovative, sustainable insulation products and wish the team every success as it continues to develop, grow and support the acceleration of our green heat industry.”
The IndiNature Mill has been established with support from South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish EDGE, Unlocking Ambition, Climate-KIC, The Scottish National Investment Bank and Zero Waste Scotland.
IndiTherm hemp insulation is available via specialist insulation distributors including Ecomerchant, Ultimate Insulation and Celtic Sustainables.
