Here we learn a little more about the companies shortlisted for this year's award.

CeraPhi Energy, based in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, is redefining how the world accesses clean, renewable heat and power.

At the heart of its innovation is CeraPhiWell™, a patented closed-loop geothermal technology that delivers continuous, zero-emission energy from deep underground.

Unlike conventional geothermal systems, CeraPhi’s advanced subsurface design eliminates the need to extract fluids from the ground, dramatically reducing environmental impact and opening up vast new areas for sustainable energy generation.

The judges said: “Clearly, CeraPhi has pioneered a genuine game changing way of heating our homes and businesses using the earth.”

Dura Composites manufactures advanced composite solutions for the infrastructure, transport, marine and industrial sectors (Image: Dura Composites)

Based in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, Dura Composites is a designer, manufacturer and supplier of advanced composite solutions for the infrastructure, transport, marine and industrial sectors.

It aims is to deliver the world’s lowest-carbon walkway systems, using materials that improve safety, reduce embodied carbon and extend infrastructure life.

Five years ago, the company redesigned its products, processes and partnerships to accelerate sustainable outcomes. This included reducing embodied carbon by up to 33% across its core glass reinforced polymer (GRP) product range and launching the UK’s first mechanical GRP separation system.

The judges praised Dura Composites for demonstrating “a multi-faceted, innovative and brilliant way of showing true full circle use of materials”.

iBOXiT has created a plant-based material for cold-chain packaging that replaces expanded polystyrene (Image: iBOXiT)

Based in Norwich, Norfolk, iBOXiT is redefining the global cold-chain packaging industry through a breakthrough material innovation that replaces expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a compostable, high-performance alternative made from renewable bio-based inputs.

Each year, more than 500,000 tonnes of EPS are discarded globally – most ending up in landfills or the ocean. iBOXiT’s technology eliminates this problem by offering a single-trip, compostable solution that matches EPS in insulation and durability, but biodegrades naturally within weeks.

The first market application targets seafood logistics, where EPS boxes are the industry standard, but iBOXiT’s proprietary material can also be adapted for other sectors including pharmaceuticals and horticulture, each representing significant opportunities to displace single-use plastics.

The judges said: “A well known problem the world over, replacing EPS with a sustainable solution that has the potential to be more cost effective as well really does shift the dial on this market.”

For more information about the East Anglia Clean & Green Awards, or to buy tickets for the awards ceremony in Ipswich on March 26, please visit cleanandgreenawards.co.uk

To find out more about the other finalists, please click here.

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