G24 Innovations

‘Ecodesign is at the very heart of G24 Innovations’ strategy. Our goal is to produce products which are environmentally friendly to manufacture, more effective in what they do and easier to dispose of at the end of their life.’
Eliot L. Abel, Sustainability Programmes Manager, G24 Innovations Limited

Between September 2007 and August 2008, the Ecodesign Centre (EDC) ran 12-month ecodesign demonstration projects with four Welsh SMEs from priority sectors (electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), general manufacturing, food and drink and low-carbon technology sectors), via a bespoke, multi-level Ecodesign Support Package (ESP).

The selected SME for the low-carbon technology sector was G24 Innovations (G24i), a global leader in the production of solar energy. 

The company manufactures dye sensitised solar cells. This is a technological breakthrough that combines innovative material science and nanotechnology to generate renewable power in a process similar to photosynthesis.

In 2006, G24i acquired a license to manufacture this technology in Europe utilising its proprietary, "roll to roll", advanced manufacturing. Their initial market will be mobile consumer products such as mobile phone chargers, smart textiles (incorporating the technology into fabrics), emergency applications, MP3 players and handheld game consoles.

The company is intending to target the developing world where the need for reliable off-grid power generation is rapidly increasing. 

G24i and the environment

The environment and sustainable development are at the core of the G24i business strategy. This is reflected in the products they make and the manner in which they produce them. For instance: 

• Thin-film solar technology is far more resource efficient than conventional photovoltaic systems.
• Thin-film solar technology works in ambient and low-light conditions
• Thin-film solar technology brings the full potential of solar energy to new industries and new areas of the world.
• G24i recently received planning approval for a multi-megawatt wind turbine to be installed onsite.
• G24i are using silicon and cadmium-free processes to reduce the cost of manufacturing.
• G24i is committed to outreach activities. This includes plans for an onsite environmental learning centre.

Main drivers for ecodesign project

Product-integrated photovoltaic (PV) technologies are becoming more popular as a means of generating energy while reducing emissions. The implementation of a range of producer responsibility legislation in Europe and other important export destinations has impacted all aspects of the electronics sector.

Because G24i will be developing product-integrated PV they will potentially be impacted by a selection of these producer responsibility regulations. In the short term the legislation of most importance is the REACH legislation.

G24i project – “low carbon technology”

G24i indicated an interest in exploring new product development opportunities through the exploitation of the solar technology. The initial project scope meetings identified a vast number of opportunities for exploiting this technology.

Through project meetings with EDC it was decided that any new product development should be supported by life cycle analysis (LCA). EDC commissioned a leading LCA consultancy, PIRA Consultants, to deliver training for key project staff at G24i. The purpose of this training was to build capacity within the company to support current and future ecodesign activity. The software selected was SimaPro.

G24i has developed its first PV-integrated product, a mobile phone charger for developing countries. This is their first consumer product. 

Initial outcomes

An important element of G24i’s approach is to develop strategic partners for product development. This improves the speed to market for developing markets and the stabilisation of the technology. 

The ESP has put the company in a better position to communicate with strategic manufacturing partners. The LCA software will enable them to assess the potential impacts of new product developments and influence future environmental decision making.