Corby-based See Limited is working with two universities to investigate converting wood waste into renewable electricity as the Northamptonshire business marks its tenth anniversary.
The company, which supplies and processes wood veneer and decorative laminate panels for the construction and built environment sectors, is collaborating with the University of Northampton and Aston University on a project examining whether waste materials can be used to generate energy.
The research is exploring a closed-loop approach that could help address two significant costs facing manufacturers: waste disposal and energy consumption.
It forms part of See Limited’s plans to develop more sustainable products and processes as the business enters its second decade.
Established in August 2016, See Limited is the holding company for businesses including Performance Panels and Bousfields. Its name stands for Supporting Ethical Enterprise, reflecting the principles introduced when the group was formed following a period of change within its existing operations.
Chief executive Robert Thompson said: “Back in 2016 we had an opportunity to create a group that was more influential but also more representative of what we wanted to stand for.
“Ethics was at the heart of that. However, Supporting Ethical Enterprise was not just a name. We wanted to establish something that represented who we were and, importantly, something that would remain true to those values for the long term.”
Over the past decade, the business has secured a series of regional and national awards for its approach to sustainability and innovation.
In 2025, See Limited won the North Northamptonshire Business of the Year title at the Northamptonshire Business Awards. It also received the Gold Award for Business Innovation at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards and Gold for Innovation of the Year at the National Building and Construction Awards.
Its environmental initiatives have included improvements to material handling and cutting processes to reduce waste, working with timber recyclers and developing carbon reporting tools to help assess the environmental impact of its products.
Robert said: “The award wins have been fantastic at highlighting the work of the team in sustainability and innovation over the last decade.
“But one of the most significant milestones for us has to be the growing recognition of See Limited amongst our customers, suppliers and industry peers.
“Ten years ago, people would ask, ‘who are See?’ but now we’re seen as an entity in our own right which, for me personally, is one of the nicest things.”
Alongside its research into renewable electricity, the group is examining opportunities involving battery storage and other technologies that could support its future operations.
Developing new products and expanding beyond its existing markets are also among its priorities, although the company has not announced specific expansion targets.
The next phase will also see Robert devote more of his time to strategic planning and developing future leaders, having previously been closely involved in the day-to-day management of the business.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team we have,” he said. “We have great people with strong ethics, talent and ambition, and that allows us to keep pushing into new areas.”
Reflecting on the company’s future, Robert added: “For me, the next decade is about innovation, opportunity and continuing to evolve.
“I want us to be at the forefront of something new and although we have done well, tomorrow is another day. That mindset – to keep going, keep improving and keep moving forward – is what drives us.”
Further information is available at www.see-limited.com.
