DERBY, U.K. - eTradeWire -- A Derby composites firm has won a national net zero award, thanks to its pioneering work to find a more sustainable composite manufacturing process.

Composite Braiding Ltd, based at the iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park, was awarded the 'Sustainability Award: Net-Zero' from Composites UK – the trade association for the UK composites industry at an awards dinner in Birmingham.

The company impressed the judges by developing a lower carbon manufacturing process for structural composites, which also enables higher production volumes and lower costs. The initiative was part funded by an Innovate UK loan.

It's the second Composites UK award in as many years for Composite Braiding, who last year won the 'Innovation in Composite Materials' category.

The new manufacturing process reduces energy consumption by up to 99%, compared to traditional processes, and uses tooling that is 50% lighter. The process even reduces consumable waste.

On top of the decarbonisation benefits, the innovation means the firm can produce composite parts in minutes instead of hours, enabling them to increase volumes and reduce costs.

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Commenting on the award, Steve Barbour, managing director of Composite Braiding, said:

"We're thrilled to have won another prestigious Composites UK award this year for our work to decarbonise composite manufacturing processes. It just goes to show what small companies can do, when you have an innovative team and funding behind you."

"This is a game-changing capability. If this process is adopted by multiple users, which is our aim, it will help deliver decarbonisation at scale. We are already talking to third parties about broadening the awareness and availability of our capabilities."

Composite Braiding is a long-standing tenant at Connect Derby, the city's primary managed workspace provider.

Connect Derby sees Derby City Council's workspaces – Friar Gate Studios, Sadler Bridge Studios, Riverside Chambers, Shot Tower, Kings Chambers and the Hub – come together to provide a range of flexible workspace.

The scheme provides micro businesses, entrepreneurs and SMEs with the high specification working environment, IT infrastructure and business support they need to grow and develop. Tenants enjoy superfast broadband, meeting rooms equipped with AV equipment, and 24/7 access. Co-working services and virtual office services are also available.