The innovative construction product QuickBlock has won the Circular Economy Award at the Scottish EDGE finals and an award of £80,000.
The award, introduced by Zero Waste Scotland, was given to the company for their unique rapid-assembly building blocks made from 100% recycled plastic.
CEO Andrew Vincent said: “As an early-stage start-up, to be recognised in this way is extremely exciting. Our simple, yet effective, innovation provides a sustainable solution for many light construction projects for industry and individuals. We’ve got a bold and ambitious vision for the company and this funding will allow us to make further improvements to our sustainable approach, develop the product range and increase awareness of our green credentials to the market”.
Similar in concept to children’s building blocks, the flat-pack building solution requires no tools, additional materials or construction experience. Its unique compact design makes it easy and efficient to transport at a fraction of the weight of traditional cement blocks.
Recycled
The manufacturing process has been improved over the last 18-months to achieve blocks made from 100% recycled polypropylene which would likely otherwise go to landfill.
Vincent said: “we’ve worked to completely eradicate the virgin materials from our processes whilst maintaining a structural strength and performance of the blocks.”
Re-usable
Increasing the useful life of any product is important in the industry’s journey to net zero. QuickBlock achieves this by offering a system that can be used many times for multiple projects. Structures are assembled, disassembled when no longer required, flat packed and then used again for an entirely different project later.
“A QuickBlock could start its life as a storage shed, take up residence at a different site as a dividing wall and end its life as a garden planter. It really is that flexible.”
Recyclable
After a long and varied useful life, the product is completely recyclable and can be used to produce more QuickBlock products or something else entirely. The company have set their sights on developing a number of ‘QuickBlock solutions’ to maximise their impact and market appeal.
QuickBlock is interested in collaborating with like-minded companies. “We are keen to engage with companies and organisations to help solve problems with QuickBlock,” Vincent added.
For bespoke projects, customers can get in touch for unique trade prices. Alternatively, customers can purchase starter kits through the shop.
Circular Economy EDGE is a special award category introduced with Zero Waste Scotland funding to encourage and back entrepreneurs who are exploring more circular ways of doing business.
The competition aims to identify and support Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth entrepreneurial talent.
