Company supported by University of Wolverhampton wins award

The Green Roof Tile Company, in Telford, scooped a Lord Stafford Award, which celebrates collaboration between universities and businesses in the Midlands.

Its revolutionary roofing tile made from recycled polymers, developed with help from the University, won the Innovation for Environmental Sustainability category.

The Envirotile was developed by roofer of 35-years and Managing Director of Telford-based The Green Roof Tile Company, Trevor Wakefield, and weighs just 710g – less than a quarter of the weight of conventional concrete roof tiles.

Trevor worked alongside the Caparo Innovation Centre at the University to test the Envirotile.

Andrew Pollard, Caparo Industrial Professor, said: “The Green Roof Tile Company and the University have been working together since 2008. Winning a Lord Stafford Award is a tremendous honour for both. We’re proud of this accolade, which reflects a great product and a great collaboration.

Over the last three years, we have worked tirelessly to develop a sustainable, yet functionally advanced, product range. Whilst companies are generally encouraged to develop green products, it is quite common for projects to fail when the cost of producing an eco-friendly product is weighed up against developing a product from virgin material. This recognition of success for The Green Roof Tile Company will encourage other businesses that are attempting to adopt similar sustainable principles.”

”Trevor said: “I knew there was scope for a product that could act as a vessel for polymer waste streams in the form of a modern roof tile, and that there was at this time no effective roof tile product here in the UK that was properly designed and made entirely from recycled polymer.

“I would personally like to acknowledge the support of the Caparo Innovation Centre at the University of Wolverhampton as their help was invaluable in assisting me make my idea become a reality.”

The company has since increased turnover by almost 20 per cent.

The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the University of Birmingham Great Hall on Thursday November 17.

ENDS

Picture: Left to right - Andrew Pollard, Caparo, Trevor Wakefield, The Green Roof Tile Company, Jon Lester, University of Wolverhampton, Lord Stafford, Frank Mills, Chairman and Managing Director of Coventry University Enterprises Ltd

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