Sustainable food production is changing how we grow fresh produce. In Kirkcaldy the renewable energy firm PeachyKeen is turning vacant buildings into vibrant “department stores of sustainability.”

Their initiative, known as the ‘5p Project‘ (People, Place, Planet, Prosperity, PeachyKeen), integrates renewable energy, hydroponic farming, and community spaces. At Flexel we are proud to provide the energy-efficient heating technology that makes these ambitious projects possible all year round.

A Vision for Urban Regeneration:

Andrew Bowie, Director at PeachyKeen, believes these spaces can revitalise our towns. “We’re using our knowledge to power urban farms and rethink how vacant town centre buildings can be repurposed,“

He explains. “If this works in a 100-year-old building, there’s no reason why it can’t work on high streets. The ‘5p Project’ is particularly important to allow empty town centre buildings to be brought back into use, producing renewable energy and edible greens.“

Why Flexel EcoFilm is ideal for urban agriculture

Successful controlled environment agriculture requires precise temperature control. In hydroponic and vertical farming, the temperature of the root zone directly dictates plant health. If the growing media becomes too cold, plants struggle to absorb nutrients and growth slows down. To maintain stable conditions, PeachyKeen uses our UK manufactured EcoFilm electric underfloor heating. Unlike standard point-source heaters, EcoFilm offers distinct advantages:

  • Uniform Surface Heating: Every plant receives consistent, reliable warmth.
  • Gentle Radiant Heat: This promotes healthy, natural growth patterns.
  • Precision Control: Our electronic systems allow for accurate temperature management.
  • Low-Profile Design: It fits perfectly into the space-saving racks used in vertical farming.

48 Years of British Manufacturing

Flexel has been manufacturing high-quality electric heating solutions in the UK for 48 years. Our production facility in Glenrothes is dedicated to long-term reliability and technical performance. Our systems are trusted across domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors. Regarding the integration of our technology, Andrew notes: “It’s a new layer, but it fits into what we already do, which is designing and implementing energy systems that support local infrastructure.“

How Can Flexel Support Your Project?

Innovation thrives on collaboration. Whether you are developing a controlled environment growing project, a commercial horticultural application, or a unique heating solution, our technical team is here to assist. We have the expertise to help you specify the right technology to ensure your project is a success.

Contact our team today to discuss your next project