Dr. Vivek Koncherry, an expert in materials applications and new manufacturing techniques, launched a company called SpaceBlue Ltd with the mission of recycling waste tires by transforming them into attractive and extremely hardwearing floor mats. The mats are extra strong because they are enhanced with a small amount of graphene, which makes them more durable.

The intention of SpaceBlue is to enhance the physical properties of recycled rubber waste that has come from discarded vehicle tires or footwear – and convert this material into a high-value product. SpaceMat™ is made of up to 80 percent recycled rubber plus 20 percent of graphene-enhanced natural rubber. Floor mats undergo compression and a fundamental study had shown that by adding graphene into the rubber it can double the compression strength – and this, in turn, increases durability.

The entrepreneurial academic from The University of Manchester produced a prototype of his graphene-enhanced product, which he presented at a Graphene Industry Showcase at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC). All innovations associated with two-dimensional materials using graphene are featured at this event.

The innovation ecosystem at Manchester has been really supportive to someone like me who has a new business idea they want to take to market.

James Baker, CEO of [email protected], added:

Vivek’s vision to support a more sustainable society by creating a better performing product through the use of graphene is really exciting and has already generated interest. Moreover, we’re looking forward to collaborating with SpaceBlue via our ‘Bridging the Gap’ program which will further support the development of the mats.

His pioneering product is unique because not only is it useful, but it could also help the UK recycle tons of unwanted tires – a waste item that the nation has to ship overseas sometimes for disposal. The activity has been a topic of discussion lately with the climate crisis in the spotlight. When Western countries export waste tires to developing nations, like India, they end up destroying the tires by incineration. The burning of waste creates pollution and harms the local environment.

This dilemma is what inspired Dr. Koncherry to take on this project. He said:

It all began when I first read the newspaper reports that several thousand tonnes of waste UK tires are being shipped abroad each year for disposal. I thought that needs to change and I became determined to find a much more sustainable way of using this end-of-life product.

The design of the hexagon-shaped SpaceMat™ is modular. Therefore, they can interlock to cover any desired floor area. Their use is ideal for offices, home entrances, industrial and public buildings, and anywhere that receives heavy circulation. Also, the mats are suitable for areas that need anti-slip covers or anti-fatigue floorings like gyms, swimming pools, playgrounds, and workplaces.