All of our residual profits are used to fund our Social Enterprise aims. We create, and assist with creating new projects that have the aim of benefiting the environment and reducing carbon emissions. 

We look to support the bio-economy which in turn reduces CO₂ emissions, provides people with work, supports innovation, reduces our need on the import market as well as creating a better environment.

We want to hear from you!

We are looking for more innovative and exciting projects to support.  If you are looking for new ways you can able use Miscanthus then we are the perfect match!  

If you are any of the below, we would love to hear from you!

• Working in the arts, creative, innovation, engineering industries?
• Start up business?
• PHD student and are looking for opportunities?  

Get in touch

Why Elephant Grass (Miscanthus)?...The benefits are clear!

Over the past twenty years, the huge potential impact that Miscanthus could have on mitigation of climate change has become increasingly apparent. We are also know that awareness of this relatively new grass (to the UK and Europe) is low.

We have all heard of bamboo though, and the Bamboo industry has expanded greatly in recent years.  Miscanthus closely matches bamboo in terms of its benefits and uses, however boasts a major benefit over bamboo in that it is non-invasive and has much less of an impact on the landscape.   

We are passionate about Miscanthus and the benefits of using this to create new products as alternatives to traditional materials are clear:

Renewable & Sustainable – after the initial establishment year, Miscanthus is re-harvested year after year.   Compare this to trees that take around 25-40 years to mature.

Non-Toxic - Miscanthus is a naturally hardy plant with no natural pests or diseases, so it can be grown without chemical intervention, making it virtually organic. 

CO₂ Sequestration - an average Miscanthus yield per hectare can absorb c. 21 tonnes of CO₂ per year, which can make it an important planet stabiliser.

Soil Regenerator - Miscanthus can be used to ‘repair’ soil damaged from overgrazing and poor agricultural practices by increasing soil carbon content. The roots stay in place after harvesting, and retain nutrients for the next growth cycle, whilst eliminating soil erosion. 

Non-invasive - Miscanthus Giganteus is non-invasive sterile hybrid (it doesn't spread)

Deforestation support - Miscanthus requires very few nutrients to grow so it thrives in depleted soil, making it a viable solution to some of the problems associated with deforestation.

Our projects fall under four categories:

• Packaging
• Crop Advancement
• Construction
• Textiles

Here are just some that we are working on:

Crop Advancement

We will plant 23,000 hectares of Elephant Grass in line with the recommendations of the Climate Change Committee report on land use 2020, whilst enabling and supporting new community-based bio-economy projects.  This reflects just one year of their 30 year target. 

We are keen to ensure the highest yield possible through advanced techniques made possible through quality Research and Development.

Working closely with Dr Paul Carver we are assured of the best advice for establishing and maintaining the crop advancement.  Paul say's:

Miscanthus is an amazing crop, producing high yields of high quality biomass above ground, and at the same time actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and locking it underground for sequestration.

Textiles

We are currently assessing the potential of producing textiles from Elephant Grass (Miscanthus) using environmentally friendly techniques. Currently we are investigating a means of splitting the fibres to produce a Lyocell or similar material. Further updates to follow on this exciting way forward in providing sustainable textile production here in the UK.

Packaging

Uses include packaging material for food & non-food products, marketing materials and printed products like business & compliment cards, flyers, brochures, labels, notebooks, letters and envelopes.

• Bio-based
• Bio-degradable
• Compostable
• Looks Natural
• Food safety approved
• Strong and recyclable
• Suitable for printing
• Long Life Span
• pH Neutral and Acid free

We are keen to support projects that will produce packaging from Elephant Grass fibres.

Construction

Creation of Miscrete

We have been working with Exeter University to develop a concrete alternative for construction. Affectionately named as “miscrete” the project is based around removing the need for Portland Cement and replacing it with more environmentally friendly binders. Blocks, panels and insulation are amongst the possibilities with this project.

Working closely with Dr Lele Vinai, Lecturer in Civil Engineering ("Lele") we are getting closer to creating something that will benefit the environment and Climate Change in a very positive way.  

Below is a quick quote from Lele.

The potential offered by the use of Miscanthus fibres in building materials is extraordinary. At the University of Exeter, we are researching the best combinations of Miscanthus fibres and low carbon binders for a range of applications, from lightweight blocks for thermal and acoustic insulation, to multi-functional and smart composites, for harvesting the full benefit of this material.

Bio-masses are a key strategic resource for a zero carbon future. According to the UK Green Building Council, the construction, demolition and excavation sectors in UK account for 60% of material use and waste generation. At European level, buildings are responsible for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions.

The development of building materials from renewable vegetal resources is a key step in a low-carbon transition for the built environment, as it avoids the depletion of mineral raw materials, while capturing and storing significant amount of CO₂ in building elements, as well as improving the building energy performance due to their enhanced insulation properties.

Start your Carbon Locking Journey today!