Porthleven-based eco packaging company Flexi-Hex has won the prestigious 2019 EcoPack Challenge.

The company impressed a panel of industry judges in a ‘Dragons Den’ style pitch showcasing their recyclable and biodegradable packaging sleeves, originally designed for transporting surfboards.

The challenge, sponsored by M&S, is an annual competition held to find the world’s most sustainable new packaging innovations.

This year 28 companies were nominated and just six were shortlisted to enter the final stage of the competition held last week at The Packaging Innovations show at The Birmingham NEC.

Flexi-Hex has won the opportunity to take their innovations further and develop their idea with M&S.

Director Will Boex said: “To be announced as the most innovative new packaging product of 2019 was just brilliant. There was strong competition for the EcoPack prize this year particularly with single use plastic in packaging becoming an increasingly important industry issue.”

The Flexi-Hex packaging, with its patented design and distinctive honeycomb structure, was created by brothers Will and Sam Boex who recognised the impact that single use plastic was having on the marine environment.

Their passion for surfing, background in design and personal experience of transporting boards around the globe inspired them to create a sustainable paper packaging sleeve originally for the board sports industry.

Since the early days supported by individuals and organisations championing the plastic-free movement, Flexi-Hex has developed and grown.

The team now includes Chloe Northover and Hannabeth Johnson but the founding commitments remain the same.

Flexi-Hex now develops sustainable packaging solutions across a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors including the furniture and drinks industry, and the team is looking forward to the potential opportunity to work with M&S to further develop their innovations.

For further information visit: flexi-hex.com.