A pioneering Tameside-based company is transforming the global conveyor belt industry with breakthrough technology that dramatically extends belt lifespan, reduces waste, and cuts carbon emissions. Their breakthrough is expected to have a dramatic impact on the manufacturing industry.
Ecobelt, which began with just two full-time staff, is now poised for international expansion thanks to over £500,000 in regional support and a robust innovation ecosystem in Greater Manchester.
With its patented AnnStuMax® technology and a market-first AI platform nearing launch, Ecobelt is forecasting £2.5 million in project sales in the next financial year and expects to create 30 new jobs within 12 months.
Ecobelt’s mission is to reduce the environmental footprint of conveyor belt operations in a global market worth nearly $50 billion. Its AnnStuMax® innovation reinforces the belt’s most vulnerable section—where ends are joined—boosting durability by more than 15 times. This means fewer replacements, less downtime, and measurable carbon savings for industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and heavy industry.
“Conveyor belts are an essential part of everyday life,” said David Waite, CEO of Ecobelt. “When something is made, it has normally been conveyed. It’s essential, therefore, to extend the life of the belts for as long as possible, and that is exactly what we’re all about.”
Ecobelt is also developing a web and mobile platform powered by AI to provide real-time insights into belt condition, helping clients identify belts that can be repaired, reused, or repurposed. “It will be a huge step forward for data-led maintenance, circular economy practices, and carbon reduction in material-handling environments,” said Waite.
To bring this vision to life, Ecobelt partnered with GM Business Growth Hub’s Innovation Service, receiving an Innovation Grant of £12,000 toward the £29,000 project cost. With technology development underway, Ecobelt focused on scaling operations.
Support from GM Business Growth Hub’s Access to Finance team helped the company build a robust financial model, leading to a successful application to GMCA’s GM Advance fund. In May 2025, Ecobelt was awarded a £450,000 flexible finance package to support its next growth phase.
“GMCA really listened to what we needed,” said Waite. “The funding gives us breathing space to build capacity and meet demand. The support from GM Business Growth Hub was invaluable.”
“Ecobelt are a perfect example of not taking things for granted. Conveyor belts have existed for hundreds of years yet David and his team still thought ‘we can make this better’,” said Yvonne Grady, Head of Innovation at GM Business Growth Hub.
“We’re very proud to support Ecobelt in their journey pioneering this game-changing technology.”
For more information, visit https://www.ecobelt.eco/
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