Frontier IP has announced that portfolio company Dekiln has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Johnson Tiles, one of the UK’s leading ceramic and porcelain tile suppliers, to explore a strategic partnership.
The collaboration will focus on scaling up, manufacturing and commercialising Dekiln’s kiln-free, low-energy bio-based materials as alternatives to conventional ceramics.
Frontier IP holds a 24.8% stake in Dekiln – one of 77 portfolio companies in the technology space.
Delkin’s partnership aims to speed commercialisation in the UK and beyond by combining its processes with Johnson Tiles’ manufacturing expertise and market access.
As part of any deal, Johnson Tiles will support Dekiln in establishing a pilot or demonstration plant in Stoke-on-Trent, the historic centre of the British ceramics industry.
Dekiln’s technology creates ceramic-like composite materials by combining plant-derived binders with waste mineral powders such as recycled gypsum plaster. The resulting materials look, feel and behave like ceramics but do not need to be fired or glazed at high temperatures, avoiding the energy-intensive kilns used in traditional production. The company says its tiles carry a carbon footprint 94 per cent lower than conventional tiles and contain more than 95 per cent recycled content.
Jason Bridges, Procurement Director of Johnson Tiles, said: “Johnson Tiles are really excited to be forming this partnership with Dekiln and look forward to adding our technical expertise and market knowledge to ensure this unique concept reaches it’s potential in the marketplace.”