Hardscape and Design

Vistafolia to drive sustainability in sector with University of Surrey

Globally renowned creator and supplier of realistic artificial green walls, Vistafolia, has launched a pioneering collaboration with the University of Surrey to create a new base polymer, the material that their artificial plants are made from, using renewable sources, while maintaining the established safety and design standards of its market-leading product.

Co-funded by Innovate UK, as part of the wider Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme and by Vistafolia as part of their wider investment, this KTP project will see Vistafolia’s own research and development team working with two KTP Associates, Dr Elham Ketabchi and Dr Filip Ambroz, who, with the support of Dr Sadhukhan, Dr Roth and Dr Mohagheghian from the University of Surrey will transfer and embed their existing knowledge in biomass processing and materials science respectively, to enable Vistafolia to become the first and only artificial plant manufacturer to move towards a bio-based polymer.

The naturalistic green wall panels are currently produced to directly replicate the organic movement and texture of living walls, with each bespoke design being curated to fit the individual needs of the space and location, using a selection of shapes and hues to add colour and dimension. The new formulation will also replace the current fire-retardant additive with a more environmentally friendly version that will enhance the new product’s non-toxic and recyclable qualities, while also retaining a high standard of fire retardancy and UV stability.

Vistafolia’s existing product already offers an alternative to living green walls, removing the use of 189 litres of water per year (per sqm of green wall compared to living plants), as well as fertiliser and pesticide usage through its low maintenance solution, and the new product characterisation will build upon this to commit Vistafolia to sustainable future biopolymer, a first in the industry. Bio-based polymers, or biopolymers, are natural materials created using living organism cells, such as biomass, food waste, or used cooking oil, and produce virtually no carbon footprint when compared with petro-carbon resins.

Proposed sustainability properties of the new biopolyethylene product include: • Saving 70 tonnes of petroleum-based plastic being used in production per year by Vistafolia with the new bio-polymer formulation. • Net carbon-neutrality when manufacturing Vistafolia’s products with the bio-polyethylene material.

British innovation is a core part of the company’s roots, and the KTP further cements their support of the sector. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme is a UK scheme that brings together academics with businesses to propel industry advancement and create competitive advantages, using researcher knowledge to assist in the development of new products or projects for companies.

Paul Alder, managing director of Vistafolia, says “We are incredibly excited to be working with the University of Surrey on this revolutionary research project, uniting meticulous design with pioneering science to accelerate the creation of a more sustainable product offering for our clients. The UK government has backed this project which is a great achievement for Vistafolia and the university as they are confident that we can produce this new, innovative product. Not only will the project increase our own innovation efforts, but the partnership will strengthen our positioning as a UK-led global business within the competitive artificial plant market. We hope to drive sustainability in the sector and encourage our competitors to focus on sustainability as a key issue while pushing the environmental boundaries in R&D and production.”

Dr Elham Ketabchi, KTP associate, adds: “The opportunity of creating a brand-new biopolymer formula with sustainable and recyclable properties for Vistafolia is a really exciting prospect and one I’m thrilled to be working on. Ensuring the bio-based formulation maintains the high quality of the existing product is a welcome challenge, however I believe my expertise in understanding the standards and methods is well placed to do so, and I’m really looking forward to establishing a new UK research and development base in Vistafolia as well.”

Permeable paving and trees in harmony

The July 2021 National Planning Policy Framework requires that: ‘planning policies and decisions should ensure that new streets are tree-lined…and appropriate measures are in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly-planted trees.’ Concrete block permeable paving offers a simple solution to these requirements, working in harmony with urban trees.

Urban trees and paving have traditionally been seen as in conflict. But this is not the case with concrete block permeable paving (CBPP), a key multifunctional sustainable drainage (SuDS) technique to reduce flood risk and make cities more liveable. CBPP offers unique opportunities to collect, attenuate and treat rainwater runoff, removing pollutants ready for irrigating trees and other planting. Recent research has demonstrated concrete block permeable paving operating efficiently with minimal maintenance over 20-years amongst extensive tree planting, without root disruption or other issues.

Local planning authorities now need to incorporate long-term sustenance and maintenance measures for trees in planning consents. Concrete block permeable paving provides a straightforward spatial solution – rather than complex legal obligations on developers – with a gradual supply of clean water to irrigate green infrastructure, integrated with SuDS, hard surfaces and urban design.

Retrofitting CBPP as a low-intervention overlay to existing road bases or other hard surfaces is an important innovation for regeneration. The permeable paving collects water across a wide area for supply horizontally into raingardens or bioretention areas with trees and other green infrastructure. Here it is stored for irrigation and biodiversity, while also delivering SuDS.

This approach is exemplified in the regeneration of Bridget Joyce Square, London. Recent inspection, around 5 years after completion, revealed that trees and other green infrastructure were healthy, substantial and particularly well-established, with the permeable paving working effectively.

Interpave would be pleased to hear from anyone considering integration of permeable paving and trees on developments to meet the new requirements (email: chris.hodson@paving.org.uk). For project case studies and guidance on all aspects of permeable paving and SuDS visit: www.paving.org.uk

KING FEEDERS UK

SPECIALIST SHREDDING & COMPOSTING EQUIPMENT