A series of tests were carried out at facility to characterise the heat retention, solar gain and water evaporation properties of the coverings materials. Testing tanks, heat measurement probes and a weather station were all set up to enable the materials to be monitored. They were also subjected to accelerated ultraviolet ageing tests in the university's QUV age accelerating machine. The project was so successful that three new patented and trademarked products were created as a result.
During 2008 Plastipack launched: Energy Guard which inhibits the growth of algae, saves electrical costs and absorbs the sun's heat; Cool Guard which gives the same energy saving benefits but also reflects sun's heat to keep the pool cool and Sol+Guard which allows maximum solar gain. These new products have helped to position the company as a leading innovator in the sector.
The company has also benefited from many other sources of assistance including the Product Development Centre in Hastings which has provided help with design and rapid prototyping for Plastipack's new products, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, National Physical Laboratory, and the Innovation Advisory service, all introduced as a result of Profitnet. "These organisations have given us access to a wealth of resources similar to those available to multinationals." says Peter.
The company has now started a second Knowledge Transfer Partnership to address new techniques for reliably joining the coverings materials on remote sites. This will give the capability to make sheets large enough for covering vast expanses of water, such as reservoirs.
Despite the recession, the company is performing very successfully with first quarter 2009 turnover 9% ahead of last year, and April 2009 the best month in Plastipack's history. "This wouldn't have been the case without Profitnet and the contacts it brought" says Peter.