Derby Company’s Revolutionary Window Blind System Proven to Dramatically Reduce Heat Loss in University of Salford Tests
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Blind Screen™, a Derby-based company, announced the scientific validation of their innovative window blind system in a series of tests conducted by researchers at the University of Salford.
Blind Screen™ is set to unveil its next-generation thermal solution, the Blind Screen™ 02 DT, at the prestigious British Blinds & Shutter Association Exhibition. The highly anticipated product launch will take place from October 27-29, 2024, at the Coventry Building Society Arena. This latest innovation builds upon the company’s scientifically proven thermal efficiency technology, promising to revolutionize the window covering industry.
Blind Screen™, located at Pride Park, has created a contemporary multi-function blinds system that is manufactured in the UK and is now installed by over 1,000 national and independent blind companies across the country.
Blind Screen™ products combine ultra-strength net and honeycomb fabrics with several unique features, including 100% blackout and thermal insulation technology with sideways opening fly, pollen, and haze screens. This not only increases energy efficiency in any type of residential or commercial building but also protects against environmental pollutants and extreme outdoor temperatures.
The Blind Screen™ system was rigorously tested for heat retention at the University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 test facility as part of the Innovate UK Future Homes Study. The results of these tests showed that the Blind Screen™ system reduced heat loss by 49% compared to double glazing alone, reinforcing Blind Screen™’s claim of being the most thermally efficient blind in the UK, if not the world.
Professor Will Swan, Director of Energy House Labs at the University of Salford, commented, “Our work with Blind Screen™ is a perfect example of how the Future Homes Innovation Accelerator program is supporting companies to innovate and grow. The development of new energy-saving products is essential for the UK to meet its Climate Change goals and reduce energy costs for households.”
He continued, “Our previous research in the area of blinds, curtains, and window coverings has demonstrated their valuable contribution to energy savings and reducing carbon emissions for householders. Blind Screen™ has recognized this opportunity and, through working with the University of Salford and utilizing our unique testing facilities, they have developed a leading thermal window blind. We are very pleased with this successful outcome, which will help cut energy bills and support the future growth of the company.”
Blind Screen™ is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Lenny Reynolds, who has over 20 years of experience in the blinds industry, and marketing and lead generation expert Paul Cheetham MCIM.
Lenny Reynolds explained, “Blind Screen™ offers a totally new category in the highly competitive industry, which has lacked innovation since the launch and mass production of shutters over 20 years ago. We have developed the world’s first 100% blackout sideways motion blind with new thermal efficient fabric, and we were eager to get this independently tested by the University of Salford.”
He added, “The heat efficiency test results are amazing and reinforce what we and the growing number of blind fitting companies across the UK – and soon the world – already know: this is a game-changer in the blinds market. This research further strengthens our position in the highly competitive market and will pave the way for further research and development in new products, which we plan to take worldwide through a number of top-level partnerships.”
Paul Cheetham continued, “The past 12 months have been an amazing journey for Blind Screen™ so far. We have amassed a staggering worldwide audience of 1.4 million followers and close to 800 million views across our social media platforms. After a series of soft launches at international trade shows and consumer exhibitions such as Grand Designs Live, we have already significantly grown the company by teaming up with trade partners and educating homeowners through organic social media with a huge following. We are committed to facilitating the growth of fellow small businesses who will sell and install Blind Screen™ in their local areas through unrivaled product design, training, lead generation, and customer support and now have our sights set on international partnerships.”
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, added, “It has been a pleasure supporting Blind Screen Limited in their innovation journey over the last 12 months through. The University of Derby’s College of Science and Engineering has provided guidance and expertise through our lead academics in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering and Zero Carbon for many aspects of the product development for their new range, including design, 3D printing and prototyping, as well as thermal testing. Having just completed an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Blind Screen Limited, we are now excited to expand our collaboration and are looking forward to further supporting their journey and growth.”
Led by Innovate UK on behalf of