Morph Bricks connected with Brunel University London on konfer and together they submitted two collaborative funding proposals with a total value of £447,000
Sustainable manufacturing has a vital role to play in curtailing the depletion of natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting well-being.
To reduce the impact on the environment from the furniture and fit-out industries, Harvey and Liz Banner founded Morph Bricks. They developed an innovative modular construction system featuring a unique patented click connection and made from 100% recycled ABS plastic or sustainable bio plastic material. Their aim was to produce a product that retained value at end of life and was 100% recyclable.
The new government made a clear commitment to reducing waste by moving to a circular economy. As it develops a delivery plan for the national clean energy superpower mission, initiatives which support the green agenda and accelerate progress to Net Zero emissions have never been more timely. Sustainable manufacturing and advanced manufacturing remain priority areas across Innovate UK, with a variety of funds accelerating research and development of solutions in this space.
With ambitious R&I plans Morph Bricks responded to Brunel University London’s call on konfer for Sustainable Manufacturing SMEs to join their Research, Innovate and Emerge (RIEm) programme. With Brunel University London’s commitment to embedding environmental considerations and maximise opportunities that have a positive environmental outcome, the connection was a perfect match.
Taking a cohort-based approach, the RIEm Programme helps businesses to strengthen their skills in collaborative research and innovation, work with university experts, and access innovation funding both from public and private investors. It helps business to make use of different types of resources available in the university ecosystem. The Programme also helps businesses develop compelling funding proposals.
Liz Banner, co-founder at Morph Bricks worked with two other businesses on the RIEm programme to present and pitch to Innovate UK. With Brunel she has since applied for an Innovate UK smart grant of £372,000 and a Women in Innovation award of £75,000.
Liz said: ‘Connecting with the RIEm programme at Brunel has been a fantastic experience. I’ve met so many other innovators and feel really positive about our future. The pitching experience was especially invaluable as well as the support and feedback on Innovate UK funding applications’.
Michael Joseph who leads the RIEm programme said: ‘It is a real joy to observe the commitment of entrepreneurs like Liz Banner to collaborate and optimise innovation and work with university experts to access innovation funding. The support from konfer to reach new SMEs to engage with Brunel University and other University ecosystems is invaluable’.
Additionally, Morph has partnered with UK materials manufacturer Floreon and now have bricks made from Floreon Therma-Tech bioplastic which is a world first fire retardant PLA and a halogen free alternative to flame retarded ABS plastic. You can find out more about the 2025 RIEm programme on konfer.
About RIEm
RIEm is an initiative to facilitate the growth of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by enhancing their abilities for collaborative research & innovation (R&I). This programme is developed by the Research Support & Development Office (RSDO), Brunel University London.
Since its launch in 2022, Brunel University London’s RIEm programme has helped UK SMEs secure over £2.7 million from both public and private investment. RIEm participants have a 73% success rate of securing Innovate UK funding.
About Morph Bricks
Morph Bricks has developed an innovative modular construction system made from 100% recycled ABS plastic or sustainable bio plastic material.
Our philosophy is to:
· Create value in discarded materials
· Transform waste into new products
· Embrace new eco technologies
· Design for repurposing and reuse
· Invest in quality and longevity
The Morph system consists of four core components: single and double brick, top cap and base, which connect in a brick formation to create designs of various shapes and sizes including Partitions, Dividers and Furniture. Each product is designed to fit space and function; there are no tools, no mess and no waste. Examples include bespoke seating including bench seating (supplied to Battersea Power Station atrium and South and West Cheshire College), shop counters (supplied to Decathlon stores), café tables and stools (supplied to BBA via Oktra) and partitions and dividers (supplied to various schools).
Comparable in price to first use products, Morph gives up to 90% savings on secondary use and impressive carbon reduction. Every design can be disassembled by pulling the bricks apart and reimagined into new designs without waste, providing excellent product longevity and outstanding ROI. End of life elements are collected by Morph and recycled into new components, creating a truly circular solution.
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