A Timeline of Innovation
Our approach to innovation is always to thoroughly understand pain points in a process, and then work in close collaboration with other technology experts to develop a simple, yet effective solution.
This has enabled us to launch award winning products such as Ezy-Install Underlay and MagTabs, used in projects all over the world.
We are particularly pleased that the UK Green Building Council have included both our adhesive-free flooring solutions and Ezy-Warm Underfloor Heating in their Sustainable Solutions Library.
Our history of product awards began back in 2012 when one of our first products, Magnetically Receptive Resin, was recognised with a top innovation award at Ecobuild, a major event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment.
The judging panel included representatives from BRE, Innovate UK KTN (Knowledge Transfer Network) and Marks & Spencer.
Launched in 2019, our clever little squares, MagTabs, enable floor coverings to be installed and reused without being damaged or contaminated by adhesives.
They won our first Flooring Innovation Award.
These awards recognise “everything that is genuinely new, exciting and innovative in the UK flooring industry” and are judged by independent flooring industry leaders.
Members of the voting panel for MagTabs included Laurence Bird, founder of Carpet Recycling UK.
And in early 2023, MagTabs were one of 3 finalists in the Product Category for the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) Awards.
ASBP’s mission is
“To lead the transformation to a healthy low carbon built environment by championing the understanding and use of demonstrably sustainable building products.”
To reach the shortlist, MagTabs were assessed against ASPB’s Six Pillars of Sustainable Construction:
❤️🩹 Health & Well-being
⚙️ Resource Efficiency
🔁 Whole Life Carbon
⚖️ Ethics and Transparency
📈 Technical Performance
🧑🤝🧑 Social Value
Also in 2023, our Adhesive-free Flooring Installation Tabs (MagTabs along with Tab-It) were innovation finalists in the Sustainable Design Collective (SDC) awards.
The independently judged SDC Awards for Sustainability within the office workplace sector are designed to champion ‘best practice’ and highlight innovations.
And in February 2024, our Tabs were double awards winners at the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) Innovation Awards, scooping both the Sustainable Innovation and overall Innovation of the Year award.
The independent judges commented that
“IOBAC is a great product that can really support the reuse of floor tiles and raised access flooring, thereby increasing their useful life. It seems very easy to apply and has demonstrated some impressive figures.”
Ezy-Install Underlay developed in collaboration with Instafloor is a dry-laid magnetically receptive underlay.
Incorporating our patented Dual-Grip Technology, it ensures floorcoverings are held securely in place in even the highest of footfall areas via a combination of magnetism and dry-tack adhesion.
I’ve put down various types of flooring over the years, but none have been as quick, easy and clean to work with as IOBAC’s Ezy-Install.
The whole process is very simple and the magnetic system provides a simple way to obtain a very professional finish.
Launched in 2021, Ezy-Warm Underfloor Heating, developed in collaboration with NexGen Heating was quickly recognised for its sustainability and efficiency credentials, scooping another Gold Innovation award.
1000+ Solutions to change the World
The technology used to develop Ezy-Warm Underfloor Heating has been awarded a Solar Impulse Label, recognising its capability to protect the environment in a financially profitable way.
Founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation, Bertrand Piccard completed the first ever solar-powered flight around the world in July 2016 and is passionate about promoting solutions to support political and business decision-makers in reaching their environmental targets.
And to complete 3 innovation awards in a row, our Ezy-Rug Gripper Kits won Gold in September 2023.
The judges’ feedback was “Simple, easy to use, highly functional in situ, no risk of damage to the floor below and improves safety – just what the rug industry needs! Great product – well done team – you deserved the Gold⭐️!”
Our Story
Pronounced as “I-Owe-Back” to the environment, our company was founded on the belief that there had to be a better way to manage flooring throughout its life-cycle.
We set out to develop technologies that facilitate flooring reuse, eliminate flooring landfill waste and protect valuable building assets.
Our Way
We innovate through understanding market needs and close collaboration with other technology experts.
This approach has led us to develop innovation award winning products such as Ezy-Install Underlay and MagTabs used in projects all over the world.
Our Technologies
From our first patent for a rapid setting magnetically receptive coating, to our more recent patented technologies in underfloor heating, we’re constantly innovating.
We combine the latest in additive chemistry with expertise in magnetic science to build a rich portfolio of solutions.
Our Customers
