Safer loading and responsible material use belong in the same design conversation. We are developing STOPLINE around durability, serviceability and targeted replacement, with environmental benefits to be assessed through evidence.
Design responsibly. Prove the benefit.
These are our design priorities and planned evaluation measures. A product lifecycle assessment has not yet been completed. Environmental benefits will be assessed through testing and lifecycle evidence.
Material choices, durability, renewal and evidence.
02 / PEOPLE & INCLUSIONListen to more perspectives.Fair opportunities and accessible participation.
03 / INNOVATION PROCUREMENTSpecify. Test. Review.A measured approach to suppliers and development.
The artwork above brings together our ambitions for responsible materials, longer service life, less unnecessary replacement and a safer, more resource-conscious supply chain. These priorities guide the questions we plan to test across the product lifecycle.
The proposed system uses replaceable EPDM markers. Our aim is to allow a worn insert to be renewed while retaining a serviceable aluminium panel, subject to inspection and validated replacement procedures.
We plan to review aluminium and EPDM specifications, panel dimensions, cutting layouts and machining waste with manufacturing partners. Recycled-content options will be considered where supplier evidence and the required engineering performance can be demonstrated.
Long working life is a design aim. We plan to evaluate wear, retention and surface condition under repeated loading and representative cleaning and exposure conditions. Keeping the EPDM and its seating area clean and dry forms part of the planned care approach.
We intend to investigate how the aluminium panel and EPDM inserts can be separated and handled through suitable local recovery or disposal routes. The route will depend on material specifications, condition, contamination and available facilities.
Replacement should respond to the condition of the component. The prototype programme will examine whether the inserts can be renewed without unnecessary replacement of a panel that remains fit for use.
Panel suitability, insert retention and a flush floor transition must be checked as part of the agreed maintenance procedure.
Look at insert wear, seating, retention and the condition of the panel.
Keep the EPDM and seating area clean and dry in line with the validated care instructions.
Replace components when required, using a compatible specification and agreed method.
Log the work and findings to support the assessment of operating life and material use.
Explore the questions we plan to investigate at each stage. Follow the planned lifecycle below. Select a stage to explore material use, manufacturing, maintenance and potential recovery. Environmental benefits remain to be established through evidence.
The replaceable-insert concept is intended to retain a panel that remains fit for use. That requires a practical replacement method and checks on the panel, channel and renewed insert. Wear and repeated-load testing will help establish useful service life.
Materials → manufacture → service → end-of-life assessment. Recovery depends on material condition and available facilities; any return to material use must be verified.
We intend to establish a baseline for the selected vehicle and floor arrangement. Comparisons will account for material inputs, manufacture, transport, maintenance, replacement and end-of-life treatment. Any contribution to lower fleet emissions needs a defined comparison and measured lifecycle evidence.
| Area | Planned evidence | Collection stage |
|---|---|---|
| Materials & sourcing | Record panel and insert mass, material grades, supplier information and any evidenced recycled content. | Supplier review |
| Manufacturing | Record cutting yield, machining scrap, rework and available production-energy information. | Prototype manufacture |
| Serviceability | Record insert condition, replacement time and whether the panel remains suitable for continued use. | Controlled testing |
| Operating life | Track wear, cleaning, maintenance and replacement frequency under defined conditions. | Controlled fleet trial |
| End of life | Assess separation, contamination and realistic recovery or disposal routes for each material. | Material review |
| Fleet use & lifecycle impact | Record panel mass, installation, care and replacement requirements; assess any emissions effect against a defined comparison. | Fleet trial & lifecycle review |
Recycled content, practical recovery routes, durability, waste reduction and carbon savings require supporting evidence. Environmental benefits have not yet been quantified. Future statements will identify the tested configuration, comparison, scope and limitations.
Our EDI strategy is in development. It connects fair treatment, accessible communication and participation in product evaluation with the way we intend to grow the business.
We intend to use relevant criteria for recruitment and supplier opportunities, consider reasonable adjustments, and provide a clear way to raise access needs or concerns.
In product evaluation, we plan to seek feedback from operators with varied experience and assess visibility, cue recognition and briefing under representative conditions.
Read our full EDI approachOur innovation procurement strategy is in development. The immediate focus is commissioning engineering, materials, prototype manufacture and independent testing in manageable stages, with evidence guiding each decision.
Current stage: requirements and supplier discovery. Manufacturing quotations and the detailed procurement budget are still to be obtained. The process below is our planned approach.
Set out the loading problem, vehicle context, material requirements and the evidence needed to judge the work. Agree safety, fit and performance questions before commissioning manufacture.
Discuss feasible approaches with engineering specialists, aluminium fabricators, EPDM manufacturers, installers and test providers. Seek comparable quotations where practical and consider capable smaller suppliers.
Define scope, deliverables, price, milestones, acceptance criteria and responsibilities. Agree confidentiality, drawing and tooling ownership, intellectual property and use of test results before work starts.
Commission small development stages. Assess insert fit, retention, surface condition and operator recognition using agreed controls and recorded findings. Review changes before approving further work.
Consider quality, serviceability, lead time, traceability, material use and replacement cost alongside price. A larger order or fleet trial should follow a documented review of the evidence and remaining risks.
Our next steps are to develop the prototype, collect manufacturing and material information, and evaluate wear and serviceability through controlled testing and fleet trials. This approach will be reviewed as the design and evidence develop.
Agree the materials, operating conditions, comparison and evidence needed.
Assess manufacture, insert renewal, maintenance and the tested configuration.
Use the findings to refine the system and explain the limits of any conclusions.
Bring material data, manufacturing expertise or a suitable trial environment to the development programme.
Approach published October 2026 · to be reviewed as prototype, supplier and trial evidence becomes available.
UK Intellectual Property Office design portfolio: 6550634–6550657
Reference pending. No EUIPO registration or endorsement is claimed until confirmed filing details are available.
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