10180737Reduced Noise, Reduced Carbon: biomass panels for acoustic dampeningClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKCarbon Cell is an innovative technology that uses biochar to produce a carbon-negative, plastic-free foam. This breakthrough material provides a sustainable alternative to conventional, polymer-based foams like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). These foams are made from oil and gas, are energy- and carbon-intensive, and contribute directly to greenhouse gas emissions - with EPS alone responsible for 36 MtCO2e annually. Carbon Cell's high-performance, low-cost, and scalability make it well-suited for diverse applications from packaging to insulation. This project focuses on developing the material for use in acoustic insulation, a sector where plastic-foams hold 43% of the market. Strong inbound interest, including from major market players, highlights the strength of Carbon Cell's value proposition and potential for impact - replacing just 10% of foamed plastics in the industry could save an estimated 0.838 MtCO2e annually. Carbon Cell is the first to apply biochar's naturally lightweight, porous structure to foam applications. Mixed with bio-based polymers, it's formed into pellets using our patented process, then expanded into foam. The resultant, carbon-negative foam has strong performance properties that make it suitable to replace plastic-based foams globally. Furthermore, Carbon Cell can be expanded using existing foam expansion infrastructure. This compatibility is transformative in enabling manufacturers to easily adopt Carbon Cell, allowing us to convert them from well-established competitors expanding plastic-foams, to active partners - unlocking their established infrastructure, distribution networks and production capacity. As a result, Carbon Cell is highly-scalable, low-cost, and can be integrated into the supply chain with minimal operational disruption. We are currently scoping a pilot with customer Sciopolis for an acoustic art insulation panel, which will provide early revenue and visibility. However, the pilot's focus as an art piece limits its broader applicability. This project builds on that opportunity by funding development and testing to adapt Carbon Cell for the wider acoustic insulation market. The project's primary outputs: an acoustic insulation panel and supporting data sheet, will generate demonstrable acoustic performance data, inform next-stage development, and reduce adoption risk for future partners. These outputs improve Carbon Cell's competitiveness by acoustically validating the material and supporting entry into a major market segment.