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By Alexander Lawrie
TWO Scottish boffins have developed a new fishing rod – made entirely from carrots.
David Hepworth and Eric Whale of CelluComp Ltd have designed the innovative rods from cellulose – a natural and strong material extracted from plants and vegetables.
The company who are based in Burntisland, Fife, have just been granted cash awards from Fife Council and Scottish Enterprise to help them develop their sell-out products.
Cellulose is also found in paper and wood but the scientists are using vegetables such as carrots and turnips because it is easier to extract.
David Hepworth said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the investment to help us develop this idea further.
“We have been working on this project for a few years now and fishing rods are just the start for us.
“Cellulose is a high performance material and we hope in time it will be competition on to carbon fibre.
“It’s certainly a lot greener than carbon.”
The pair are also hoping to use the new technology to branch into making golf club shafts and parts for bicycles.
Mr Hepworth said: “Cellulose has so many potential and we only chose fishing rods because it is a good example of what it can do.
“We are hoping the material can also be developed for other things such as golf clubs and bike parts.
“We have already sold out of our first batch of fishing rods so the future is looking good for cellulose.”
