Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Matt Tomkins and Tim Miller teamed up to turn plastic bottle lids into skateboards with the help of an ICON grant.
Have you ever wondered what skateboard decks are made from?
Well, now you need look no further than the humble milk bottle lid, thanks to a clever idea from a couple of passionate Canberrans.
The Endless Project was set up by Matt Tomkins and Tim Miller. Its purpose is to recycle plastic bottle lids into skateboard decks and create sustainable products for the adrenaline sports industry.
Imagining The Endless Project
When Matt’s work as a photographer dried up during COVID, he got chatting to Tim, founder of local charity Lids4Kids.
They discovered a mutual love of the outdoors, extreme sports and protecting the environment.
That’s when the idea to team up and build skateboards from plastic lids was born.
Their start-up has pioneered the creation of 100 per cent recyclable skateboards.
Beyond the boards
The Endless Project is also a social enterprise with a mission to provide opportunities for disadvantaged people, including those living with a disability.
“Previously, Tim had mentioned to me that he wanted to use the plastic bottle lids collected by Lids4Kids to make skateboards so that young people could get excited about recycling. Because of my love for skateboarding, community and the environment, I was very keen to get on board,” said Matt.
“Whilst having so much in common, our differences and skills complement each other perfectly.
“We realised that together, our impact could reach far beyond just local and that our partnership could create a global movement behind a high-impact brand that represents quality, sustainability and innovation,” Matt said.
“We each care deeply about protecting the environment and tackling issues faced by young people,” Tim said.
“Through The Endless Project, we want to support our community and donate to local charities that focus on mental health, education and the environment to help make our corner of the world a better place.”
Speeding things up with an ICON grant
In 2023, Matt and Tim received $30,000 in matched funding from the ACT Government’s ICON grant program facilitated by the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) to help take the business further.
“The ICON grant has enabled us to engage a Canberra-based industrial designer to assist us with the development of 3D digital CAD models, moulds and construct the machines needed to be able to create our prototype skateboard decks. It will also allow our social enterprise to conduct essential research and development to validate our innovative solution for the skateboard industry,” Matt said.
“If successful, we can confidently seek seed funding for the final moulds and start full-scale production of a sustainable alternative skateboarders have been waiting for.”
ICON offers early-stage innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs like Tim and Matt with match-funded grants between $10,000 and $30,000 to kick start their business ideas.
Applying for a grant
ICON grants are currently open for expressions of interest until Thursday, 10 October 2024.
To get started, book at intro meeting with CBRIN.
Find out more at cbrin.com.au/icon
Learn more about the Endless Project at endless.org.au
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter: