Awards.

The Made in Scotland awards, set up in partnership with Business Insider magazine and the Royal Bank of Scotland, recognise and encourage the very best of Scottish innovation. The awards also recognise those companies which have successfully capitalised on their Scottish roots in promoting their products out with the country.

Ayr-based Ekko Waste Solutions Ltd took the Best New Product award for its revolutionary glass recycling technology, the Ekko Glass Crusher. The glass crushing machine was designed, researched and developed by directors and co-founders Brian Williamson, Kevin Williamson and Robin Murray.

The Ekko Glass Crusher reduces the volume of empty glass bottles by 80% uniquely producing certified glass 'Super cullet' which can be easily used in recycling. The judges of the Made in Scotland awards said the benefits of the Ekko Glass Crushing machine product were "many" and "extremely clear".

Ekko Waste Solution's Managing Director said "We are delighted to be recognised amongst such prestigious company and to win the Best New Product Award for our Ekko Glass Crusher. Having proved the many financial and environmental benefits of Ekko's closed loop glass recycling system in Scotland we now plan to replicate this and bring the benefits both financial and environmental to other markets."