10075998FraxinusClosedGrant for R&DInnovate UKSM8RT believes sustainability should underpin the fabric of our communities, products and technologies. We seek to challenge the status quo, provide alternative products born from nature that take meaningful steps away from oil-derived materials, and products that do not compromise on performance and make tangible steps towards championing the circular economy while providing economic growth to UK communities. Project Fraxinus, is inspired by the Ash, a fast-growing tree previously critical to the economic development of many industries across the UK. We seek to pave the way to a strong case for the manufacturing of a prototype bio-based construction material we aim to champion. The expertise within our team, who celebrate decades of experience across many sectors, alongside partners within academia, Catapult centres and industry jointly believe that the UK is in the optimal position to grow, champion and challenge these pioneering products. However, several key factors must be addressed in order to prove the concept, assess the feasibility and financial viability, determine challenges, identify opportunities and gain a greater understanding of how our product's life cycle can benefit the UK market and our environmental impact. This project will see the manufacture of 3 future products (including structural and non-structural parts i.e., cladding/panels, post, pillar, floorboard/decking) and testing carried out to determine the mechanical performance along with several other KPIs drawn from across the manufacturing and construction industry. With a set of prototypes, this project will seek to delve into the life cycle analysis of each product and draw a comparison to the current market offering and indicate whether it is truly a suitable low-carbon alternative. Project Fraxinus will seek to analyse the cost of the products and analyse the existing supply chain across the UK and identify opportunities for growth. A market analysis will be carried out to identify further opportunities across our chosen industry to maximise the impact and benefits the technology has to offer. Those within rural communities will be provided with the opportunity to new and additional income streams through the diversification of crops, utilise previously non-arable land, develop local supply chains and support the UK's levelling up agenda.