Manufacturing company Inteflex, who are best known for making NVH and sealing solutions for the automotive industry, has announced their expansion into new markets.
The Nottinghamshire-based company has launched a range of biodegradable mulch mats for trees and strawberry plants which it will be selling to the horticulture and arboriculture industries amongst others.
Giving saplings the best start
Known as the Mulchii™ range, the mulch mats are used when planting young trees to create better conditions for growth by allowing access to essential nutrients, retaining moisture and helping to keep roots insulated during the winter months. The mats can help to suppress weeds and provide protection from pests. They also help reduce soil erosion and compaction.
With two decades of experience manufacturing vehicle parts such as headliners, interior trims, under carpet and door seals to help make vehicles quieter and more efficient, the diversification into horticulture might seem a little surprising. However, as Jim Griffin, MD of Interflex explains, the decision was based on sound business principles.
“One of the key rules of diversification is to build on what you already know and do well,” comments Jim. “At Interflex we know all about materials and using them to manufacture high performance products. So, although we have traditionally supplied the automotive industry, we already have skilled staff and high tech equipment on site which has made it a relatively simple process to diversify into the manufacture of mulch mats.”
A logical diversification
The materials used to create the mats are very similar to the current products that Interflex make and so the company is able to utilise their press cutting and packaging facilities without any modifications. As a result, the company has the capacity to produce over 20,000 pieces a day per machine and so can accommodate large bulk orders.
The Mulchii™ mat is the first product in a range that is planned to include hanging baskets and hydroponic mats. The mulch mats are made from flax, jute and hemp which has several advantages over other products commonly used such as coconut fibre.
Promoting sustainability in the supply chain
“Coconut fibre is currently hard to source as well as being expensive,” explains Jim. “However, flax and hemp are high performance materials which can be grown within the UK and Europe, making the raw materials easier to obtain and transport.”
The importance of planting new trees is recognised as a key part of the government’s pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, It is also the focus of campaigns by organisations such as the National Trust and the Woodland Trust, while the Queen’s Green Canopy and Trees for Cities is a campaign to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Set up in 2003, Interflex supply a range of NVH and sealing solutions for the automotive sector from their Nottihamshire factory. They also coat and cut materials such as the fabric used for arm rests to ensure durability and comfort.
Coming soon….
Please note: the Mulchii™ website is coming soon. Until the website is launched, please direct any enquiries to Interflex by emailing [email protected] or calling 01949 861 494.