Growing demand for recycled products has helped manufacturer Eco Fence & Doors secure orders worth more than �500,000 in its first 10 months of trading.

EFD, based on the Rackheath Industrial Estate, makes fencing and garden furniture from recycled polystyrene, sourced from items including plastic cups and packaging for electrical goods.

As well as being made from up to 95pc recycled material, the company says the products are 'virtually indestructible' and vandal-proof.

The company also manufactures a range of fibreglass doors, which include some recycled material.

EFD was formed in February 2010 as a subsidiary of property developer Tilia Properties, also based in Rackheath, after bosses acquired the machinery of a former business from the receiver.

And since exhibiting at September's National Housing Federation Conference and Exhibition trade show the company has won a series of significant contracts with local authorities including Norwich City Council, Tower Hamlets Council and Lewes District Council in Sussex and housing associations Newham Homes and Swale Housing Association.

The company is also in negotiations with a consortium of eight local authorities in the North East of England and a building trade merchant to exclusively supply its products in Wales.

Sales director Bob Purton said: 'When representatives of local authorities and housing associations visited the stand they told us they liked the fact our doors and fences are made from such a high proportion of recycled material.

'Also, because of the unique nature of the material used, our fences are virtually indestructible, require very little maintenance and graffiti does not adhere to the surface.

'It shows the considerable time and effort we invested in developing our unique product range has been worthwhile as enquiries are coming in virtually every day.

'Now we are confident there is a large market for these products and are looking to the future with increasing confidence.

'We are also seeing an increased demand, again from local authorities, for our glass fibre range of signs as the rising price of scrap metal has made traditional ones prime targets for thieves.' Turnover for the company's first year is expected to be about �600,000, and the firm employs nine people.

As well as local authorities and social housing groups the company also supplies firms involved in the building and refurbishment of properties.