Albotherm to adapt smart shading technology for commercial polytunnels with £500k Innovate UK Grant

Albotherm, an innovative AgriTech startup, is excited to announce that it has been awarded a £500,000 grant from Innovate UK to further develop its cutting-edge greenhouse technology. This latest project will focus on adapting Albotherm’s temperature-responsive additive technology to be embedded within plastic films for polytunnel applications.

The world faces the challenge of needing to increase food production by 50% by 2050, even as arable land has decreased by 30% over the last four decades. Polytunnels offer a solution due to their ability to extend growing seasons by protecting crops from frost in cooler months. However as they are prone to overheating in summer months, this can lead to potential crop losses from heat stress. This issue is especially pronounced in hotter regions where polytunnels, widely used for food and flower production, are more prevalent. While polytunnels are cost-effective and flexible, they lack the precise climate control of glasshouses and are vulnerable to extreme weather, often resulting in overheating.

Albotherm’s temperature-sensitive additive transitions from transparent to reflective white when heated, providing essential protection for crops by reducing heat inside greenhouses. On cooler days, it automatically returns to transparent without the need for electrical input, allowing maximum light availability. Their technology has previously demonstrated up to 34% increase in crop yields compared to traditional shading methods, and they have successfully concluded trials at two major UK commercial glasshouse farms this summer. This significant advancement positions Albotherm to address the pressing challenges faced by growers, particularly in managing heat stress and optimising production across diverse agricultural environments.

The adaptation of Albotherm’s technology for in plastic greenhouses use is expected to bring substantial benefits to growers. By preventing temperature spikes that cause early ripening, the technology can extend the growing season into the off-season, where berry prices for example, are often more than double. Extending the season by just one month could provide considerable increases in crop yield and revenue annually for farmers.

As governments and individuals return to more localised food production, polytunnels have become increasingly vital to keep up with the consumer demand for variety offered by global food distribution. They enable farmers in the UK and beyond to grow crops that may not typically thrive in their local climates, enhancing resilience to extreme weather and seasonal changes. Additionally, home growers are realising the benefits of year-round food production, underscoring the relevance of Albotherm’s smart coating technology in today’s agricultural landscape.

Albotherm sees a significant business opportunity in expanding their product range to include solutions specifically designed for polytunnels. Polytunnels are widely used in commercial agriculture and make up 90% of the world's greenhouse structures. The R&D underpinning this project, incorporating Albotherm’s unique additives into films, also opens up some significant market opportunities outside of agriculture in the commercial and residential buildings space.

As part of this project, Albotherm has partnered with Billington Farm, a prominent UK berry producer within the Berry Gardens group, to trial their innovative materials on commercial polytunnels in the form of a retrofit coating. These trials are supported by Lumiforte, who provide the specialised coating for this application, and will assess the performance of Albotherm’s temperature-responsive technology in real commercial conditions.

Molly Allington, CEO of Albotherm, commented:

"With a considerable portion of the world's horticultural crops being grown under plastic, we aim to leverage this funding opportunity to expand our market reach across the globe, in particular into the Asia-Pacific region as the fastest growing market for agritech solutions. By tackling these new markets, we will not only enhance our product offerings but also position ourselves as a key player in the global agricultural sector, addressing the growing demand for efficient and sustainable farming solutions.”

Contact:

Molly Allington, CEO, Albotherm Ltd

mollyallington@albotherm.com