Norwich Research Park based company iBoxit wins Broadland and South Norfolk Business Innovation 2025 Award

iBoxit, a company based at Norwich Research Park, has been
named as the winner of the Business Innovation Award at the Broadland and South
Norfolk Business Awards 2025. iBoxit is a collaboration between entrepreneur
John Farley and the University of East Anglia (UEA) under the tutelage of Prof
Sheng Qi.

iBoxit is leading the charge to tackle the environmental
impact of expanded polystyrene. Through its innovative development of a new,
environmentally-sustainable packaging that uses an intricate mixture of
existing plastic and plant-based composite to replace the expanded polystyrene
boxes that are currently used to transport fish, it’s paving the way for a
future where polystyrene could be eliminated entirely.

Its solution not only helps reduce landfill waste and ocean
pollution but also supports the food industry and benefits the global food
chain.

It is estimated that 9.5bn expanded polystyrene boxes were
used in 2020 and this is expected to grow to 13.5bn by 2025. The majority of
boxes are single-use and not recyclable. The fishing industry worldwide
discards almost half the total consumption into the oceans, with the remainder
finding their way to landfill.

The new transportation box, which importantly, can be
integrated into existing worldwide transportation systems, has the same thermal
properties as expanded polystyrene boxes and stacks safely. It is fully
recyclable and reusable, with a shelf life of 10 years, offering a more
sustainable long-term solution for packaging and distribution.

The Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards 2025
celebrate the exceptional vision, innovation and leadership of local
businesses. The winners were selected by the judging panel because they have
truly set new benchmarks for excellence.

John said, “We are really pleased to have had our work
recognised with this award. Norfolk really has got a reputation for innovative
thinking and with Norwich Research Park and the UEA on our doorstep it is vital
that we work together with the brilliant minds there to come up with
sustainable solutions that will improve the lives of many on our planet both
now and in the future. With iBoxit we aim to change the way a huge industry
approaches the transportation of fish and ultimately other foodstuffs.”