For the last 12 months Francis Flower has been developing the business of sole UK distributorship of 'Innocell' the innovative cellulose fibre pellets produced by Ruthmann GMBH on the outskirts of Prague in the Czech Republic.

'Andreas Ruthmann awarded the distributorship to us because of our stable connections with all the UK's major roadbuilders and is pleased with success achieved to date' says Clare Vigus.

'Innocell' is pelleted cellulose fibre made from paper, much of it recycled from kerbside collections in Prague. We store 'Innocell FG 3000' pellets in Somerset, Middleton and Wicken and supply to roadbuilders by CRW bulk tankers. On site it is discharged directly to purpose built silos linked to automatic dosing systems for adding to asphalt mixers at a rate of 3kgs 'Innocell' per 1,000 kgs stone mastic asphalt.

Mixing with 'Innocell' means that the road surface can be laid much thinner and is also much harder wearing. Advantages to the road user are quieter travel, less spray coupled with better anti-skid and anti-rutting properties. So next time you enjoy a smoother, safer journey it may well be down to 'Innocell' and Francis Flower.