stable formulation, so this R&D project will attempt to apply principles of green chemistry to design and synthesise novel surfactant molecules that will make the hydrogenated vegetable waxes and PLASWAX viable as products.
“Additionally, the project will also develop an improved surfactant capable of emulsifying wax for transport. Emulsified wax is a liquid at room temperature, so can be moved between containers without the need for energy and CO2 emission intensive steam heating.”
OakTec, based in Cockerham, develops ultra- low emission gas engines for agricultural and industrial applications and power generation along with gas engine hybrid power generation systems.
It has launched a spin-off, CAGE Technologies, to focus on developing engines to use biogas, hydrogen, LPG, and CNG fuels and hybrid systems combining clean gas engines with solar PV and battery storage.
Paul Andrews, CEO of OakTec, said: “For many years OakTec has dedicated research into efficient, low emission industrial gas engines. CAGE Technologies is the new business that is beginning the commercial sales of these technologies and is raising investment for rapid growth.
“Our project with Eco-I NW is to research global markets for these technologies looking at size and application of petrol and diesel products that can be replaced by these clean gas technologies.”
Other trailblazing manufacturers are now looking to move beyond the R&D stage with Eco-I NW by tapping into a new £400,000 grant scheme.
Launched in February, the grants of up to 60 per cent funding towards projects worth £25,000 will accelerate low carbon innovations from research to commercialisation by match funding prototypes, pilots and demonstration systems.
Capital Grants for SMEs
Available £5,000- £24,999 match funded
Supporting business innovations which deliver carbon savings
Ideal for capital investment in pilots, prototypes and trials
CALL TO ACTION by Dr Andy Pickard Manager of the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation
For most SME manufacturers innovation is a struggle because of a lack of time, capacity and capability.
While larger firms have a luxury of devoting budget and resources to R&D departments, smaller businesses aren’t able to pursue their ideas. Add to the mix the competing impact of Brexit and Covid-19 and the challenges of decarbonisation and automation, the potential of being left behind may seem overwhelming.
With the Eco-I North West programme, SME manufacturers in Lancashire are in the right place at the right time to access the support they need to overcome many of these barriers to innovation simultaneously and transform their ideas into reality.
Our approach starts with a conversation. We get to know a business, uncovering what the business needs and challenge areas are, working with them to map out how low carbon solutions support the development of a new product or service, improve a process or commercialise a current offer to reach new markets.
We then look for a collaboration, pairing the businesses with the right institution which offers the right expertise, equipment and resources.
This opens the doors to a feasibility study, access to our peer network, or collaborating with the partner universities with a specialist research project led by a university student or researcher.
Alternatively, we can offer quick, simple access to grants to accelerate these
Andy Pickard
low carbon innovations from research to commercialisation by match funding prototypes, pilots and demonstration systems.
Our aim is to support the development of 135 new innovative solutions which will save 3,850 tonnes of CO2. And we’re well on our way to achieving that.
Eco-I NW is helping create an ecosystem which accelerates our transition to a low carbon economy.
I would encourage manufacturing leaders in Lancashire to start a conversation with us about how Eco-I NW could help show what’s good for the planet can also be good for business.
To find out more about the programme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF),visit
www.lancaster.ac.uk/eco-i-nw/ capital-grant-scheme
For more
information and to apply, visit:
www.lancaster.ac.uk/eco- i-nw/capital-grant-scheme
business@cgeinnovation.org
Includes purchase of equipment/technology and its installation
Aimed to take innovations beyond 'lab scale'
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