A Cumbrian firm has won a prestigious sustainability award at a leading outdoor home and garden trade show.
Eco Crops Ltd, based in Cockermouth, made its debut at the Glee trade show at the NEC Birmingham.
Eco Crops Ltd was named overall winner of the coveted 2025 Sustainability Award, following the recent launch of its new retail‑ready range of sustainable Eco Wood products – including its popular, uniquely made Eco Ramial Chipped Willow Mulch.
The award is one of only three top Champion of Champions accolades of the show which celebrate the most innovative new products within garden retail, run in association with Garden Trade News.
The Cumbrian firm’s Eco Soft Animal Bedding and Eco Willow Wood Briquettes were also shortlisted for the highly competitive New Product Awards.
They were selected from 340 entries across 14 product categories and judged by an expert panel representing independent and multiple retailers, consumer gardening media and trade media.
Neil Watkins, founder and managing director of Eco Crops Ltd, said: “Sustainability has always been at the heart of everything we do.
“Our full-cycle approach supports British farmers, protects the planet and delivers premium, eco-friendly products. We couldn’t be more proud to have received such a relevant award.”
Eco Crops Ltd works directly with its UK‑wide network of more than 100 farmers and landowners, supporting them from planting through to sustainably harvesting renewable, short rotation coppice (SRC) willow crops.
It generates new revenue streams and maximises land productivity for growers, while providing numerous environmental benefits at the same time as producing the carbon-neutral willow wood that creates the company’s entire range of Eco Wood Products.
Neil added: “It’s about creating a sustainable and profitable farming future that operates hand in hand with nature while introducing premium-quality, eco-friendly products to the market to meet growing demand from eco-conscious consumers.”
The Cumbrian business continues to back British farmers by developing new end markets for SRC willow, ensuring that its Eco Wood Products range grows in line with opportunities for its growers.
Neil said: “It has been a privilege to exhibit at such a renowned and prestigious industry event. To be recognised within the sector, and to see two of our Eco Wood Products shortlisted for the New Product Awards alongside some of the biggest names in the market, is a real honour for both our team and our growers.
“The conversations we have had with visitors and fellow exhibitors have been phenomenal. The positive feedback and support we’ve received confirm that our products are exactly what retailers and their customers are looking for.
“This is a really exciting time for us. We came to Glee to launch our new retail products and build long‑term, mutually supportive relationships with the right partners to expand our network of stockists.
“The success we’ve had here has exceeded our expectations. We have made some major connections and are pleased to have already welcomed several new stockists on board. We’re looking forward to what the future holds for Eco Crops Ltd.”
