THE FIRST dedicated natural insulation factory in the UK is to be built in the Borders.

Sustainable construction materials business IndiNature plans to open its new Jedburgh manufacturing hub to produce carbon-negative building insulation in summer 2022.

It also wants to grow its workforce to 30 in Scotland.

It follows a £3 million investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank.

The company's CEO Scott Simpson said: “We couldn't be happier having the Scottish National Investment Bank back us – it's a strong mission fit.

"It feels great that we can move forward to create local Borders jobs and make insulation on scale in Scotland – insulation that's good for people's health and the planet.

"The demand for local, natural alternatives in construction is increasing. At IndiNature we love using crops from UK farmers. It's so critical the world moves faster toward what's known as the circular bio-economy by using plants in products, to reduce waste and naturally capture carbon.

"The fossil fuel era has to end. We can replace it with traditional natural materials and new cleantech innovations.

"Our news coincides with the latest IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) report this week which calls for urgent action.

"Amongst the fires and floods we’re seeing globally, IndiNature aims to be a Scottish showcase of positive action.”

Eilidh Mactaggart, CEO of the Scottish National Investment Bank, added: “The bank’s investment in IndiNature supports an innovative Scottish company to build its first factory and help to accelerate the transition of the construction industry to net zero.

“Decarbonisation of the industry is a critical element of Scotland’s journey to net zero.

“IndiNature’s innovative natural fibre insulation supports this journey in two clear ways, increasing energy efficiency of buildings and storing carbon within the insulating material itself.

“It was clear through working with IndiNature its products fundamentally supported the delivery of the bank’s missions.

"The bank’s patient capital can help the company to achieve its growth aspirations, with positive economic and environmental benefits for Scotland as a result.”