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DeakinBio, a spin-out company from the University of Manchester, faced a significant challenge with the traditional ceramic tile manufacturing process, which is energy-intensive and contributes to a large carbon footprint due to the high temperatures required for firing. Recognizing the need for a sustainable alternative, DeakinBio developed a bio-based tile inspired by the structure of natural sea shells. This innovative solution not only eliminates the need for kiln burning but also achieves an impressive 8090% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional tiles.
The incorporation of graphene into their bio-inspired material further enhanced its properties, making the tiles 20% stronger. This breakthrough led to DeakinBio winning the Harari Graphene Enterprise Award in 2022, securing a prize of £50,000. The company benefits from its location at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) in Greater Manchester, which provides access to advanced machinery and over 20 microscopy machines for material testing. Additionally, DeakinBio is collaborating with NERIC at Salford University to innovate in production automation.
Looking to the future, DeakinBio plans to establish a small-scale production facility to manufacture their low-carbon tiles at a larger scale and will also serve as consultants for Lucideon, a leading expert in ceramic tiles. This strategic direction positions DeakinBio to significantly impact the green technology sector while addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional tile production.