Weedingtech Ltd has developed a thermal, chemical-free weed control system that is safe for people, animals and the environment.
- 29 April 2014
Launched by a group of environmentally conscious agricultural and horticultural specialists dedicated to creating a safer alternative to chemical herbicides, Weedingtech’s vegetation control system uses water, heat and its innovative Foamstream product to safely eliminate weeds. The product utilises natural foam to keep heat on the weeds long enough to kill them.
100 % natural
Foamstream is a 100 % natural, non-toxic product made from plant oils and sugars. It requires no specialist safety training or certifications in its application. Unlike traditional herbicides, when using Foamstream there is no need to implement waiting periods between application and harvest. As a non-herbicidal product, Foamstream allows farmers to plant crops closer together, meaning an increase in annual yields. It also does not require typical pressurised storage, which is costly to maintain.
Weedingtech was able to finalise the development of Foamstream and start selling the product thanks to funding from the Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF), a European Regional Development Fund supported venture capital fund in the East of England. The LCIF contributed half of the necessary investment of GBP 500 000 (around EUR 606 000).
Good for England, good for the environment
The development of Foamstream has directly contributed to the creation of numerous technical support jobs at Weedingtech’s St Neots manufacturing facility. The company is currently in the midst of a recruitment phase.
The company took the international spotlight when a leading regional amenities management company used the system to eradicate weeds from the route taken by the London Olympics’ Torch relay. As a result of this publicity, the green product has caught the attention of investors. In September 2013 Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire, announced a significant investment in the company as part of his green technology investment strategy.
"As a result of the Low Carbon Innovation Fund’s support, we have been able to accelerate the pre-production processes and get the product into trials with some of the region’s key growers and contractors."
Leo de Montaignac, operations director, Weedingtech Ltd.Total investment and EU funding
Total investment in the project “Weeding Technologies Limited” has amounted to GBP 500 000 (around EUR 606 000) with the European Regional Development Fund contributing GBP 250 000 (around EUR 303 000) through the Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF) for the 2007-2013 programming period.