iBoxit, a company based at Norwich Research Park, has been named as the winner of the Business Innovation Award at the Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards 2025. iBoxit is a collaboration between entrepreneur John Farley and the University of East Anglia (UEA) under the tutelage of Prof Sheng Qi.
iBoxit is leading the charge to tackle the environmental impact of expanded polystyrene. Through its innovative development of a new, environmentally-sustainable packaging that uses an intricate mixture of existing plastic and plant-based composite to replace the expanded polystyrene boxes that are currently used to transport fish, it’s paving the way for a future where polystyrene could be eliminated entirely.
Its solution not only helps reduce landfill waste and ocean pollution but also supports the food industry and benefits the global food chain.
It is estimated that 9.5bn expanded polystyrene boxes were used in 2020 and this is expected to grow to 13.5bn by 2025. The majority of boxes are single-use and not recyclable. The fishing industry worldwide discards almost half the total consumption into the oceans, with the remainder finding their way to landfill.
The new transportation box, which importantly, can be integrated into existing worldwide transportation systems, has the same thermal properties as expanded polystyrene boxes and stacks safely. It is fully recyclable and reusable, with a shelf life of 10 years, offering a more sustainable long-term solution for packaging and distribution.
The Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards 2025 celebrate the exceptional vision, innovation and leadership of local businesses. The winners were selected by the judging panel because they have truly set new benchmarks for excellence.
John said, “We are really pleased to have had our work recognised with this award. Norfolk really has got a reputation for innovative thinking and with Norwich Research Park and the UEA on our doorstep it is vital that we work together with the brilliant minds there to come up with sustainable solutions that will improve the lives of many on our planet both now and in the future. With iBoxit we aim to change the way a huge industry approaches the transportation of fish and ultimately other foodstuffs.”