Will Boex receives the Overall Winner award from Gillian Burke (r) and Business Cornwall's Caroline Carter

Sustainable packaging company Flexi-Hex was named Overall Winner at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards.

The Porthleven-based business received the accolade at an awards ceremony held at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro, along with the Circular Economy award. Other winners on the night included Newquay Community Orchard (Growing Greener – sustainable food and farming), Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (Environmental Growth) and Fluid Branding (Carbon Neutral).

Flexi-Hex co-founder and operations director, Will Boex, said: “The whole team at Flexi-Hex feel honoured to have won the Circular Economy award, especially as we were nominated alongside some amazing companies pushing the boundaries of circular economy and sustainability.

“To also win the Overall Winner Award has left us speechless. Winning these awards will help highlight us as a growing and ambitious company in Cornwall. We have big international plans and we’re proud to show that the county can be a place where companies thrive on the global stage. Cornwall’s heritage of innovation and design has always been a fascination for both Sam (co-founder Sam Boex) and myself and it’s nice to add to this in a small way.”

Guests at the awards evening were welcomed by Cornwall Council CEO Kate Kennally, who said: “As a Council we are one small part, which is why we are proud to champion you through this event alongside our co-organisers at Tevi. Your action is critical in realising the opportunities, and we are blessed in Cornwall to have such active, creative businesses and communities as you.

“But this evening is not just about recognising what you have achieved, but what you inspire. If nothing else, I hope that this evening amplifies your achievements so that the rest of Cornwall can see what is possible – and makes clear that, beyond the global stage, there is hope in local action.”

The keynote speech was delivered by Springwatch presenter Gillian Burke, who said: “Our sector is finally being taken seriously as we’re not just seen as ‘tree-huggers’ anymore. Our sector tends to focus on efficiencies in sustainability work. However, one thing that we need to not make efficiencies on is taking time for people and for communities.

“The best thing about living in Cornwall is community. It was something I didn’t know I was missing until I moved to Cornwall. Making time for people is so important and Cornish people like to talk! We need to protect the time we have for each other. Real community is when you don’t always get on, but you work together for the greater good. So, in order to sustain us, we need to sustain ourselves.”

Roll of Honour

Growing Greener – sustainable food and farming                              

  • Winner – Newquay Community Orchard
  • Runner-up – Rosuick Farm
  • Highly Commended – Bosavern Community Enterprises Ltd

Circular Economy                             

  • Winner – Flexi-Hex
  • Runner up – Waterhaul Ltd
  • Highly Commended – Boost Innovations Ltd
  • Commendation – CHX Products Ltd

Environmental Growth                 

  • Winner – Falmouth Harbour Commissioners
  • Runner up – Working Woodlands Cornwall CIC
  • Highly Commended – Cabilla Cornwall Ltd

Carbon Neutral                 

  • Winner – Fluid Branding Ltd
  • Runner up – Little Gwendreath Holiday Cottages
  • Highly Commended – The Cornish Funeral Company Ltd

Overall Winner                 

  • Flexi-Hex