Cubis Systems wins world’s oldest and most prestigious plastics design award
We’re proud to announce that Cubis Systems has won the BPF Horners Award for Plastics Innovation & Design.
Of every product submitted for consideration, it was the PROtrough™ 350 from Cubis Systems that the judges voted most innovative.
Run by the Worshipful Company of Horners and the British Plastics Federation, the award has recognised groundbreaking use of plastics since 1947.
Only one product is selected each year. In 2025, we’re thrilled to reveal that this product is ours.
Here’s a closer look at this milestone win for Cubis and our PROtrough™ 350.
About the BPF Horners Award
The BPF Horners Award is the world’s oldest and most prestigious plastics design award – both a mark of innovation and a piece of history.
Established in 1946, the first competition took place the following year in 1947.The award is recognised as a cornerstone of the industry. It has a proud and long-standing legacy of supporting design excellence and educational advancement in plastics.
Each year, it recognises a single product. That product must demonstrate true excellence in plastics design, combining innovation, functionality, and sustainability. The criteria requires that each entry:
Should represent an outstanding innovation in polymer-based product, process or machinery
Must have significant UK content in Design, Materials or Manufacture
Must have a proven record of, or potential for, commercial success
Must demonstrate aspects relating to sustainability, such as being made from recycled and recyclable materials or addressing the reduction in carbon emissions during the production process
On reading – and matching – these requirements, we decided to submit the PROtrough™ 350.
About the PROtrough™ 350
The PROtrough 350 from Cubis Systems is a cutting-edge, UK-manufactured cable trough system that redefines performance in polymer-based infrastructure design.
It was designed to answer a pressing challenge: how can infrastructure projects protect critical cables in a way that is not only effective and durable, but also aligned with modern sustainability goals?
As a brief overview against the BPF Horners Award’s criteria:
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The PT350 offers a lightweight yet highly durable solution for cable protection across transport, energy, and utility sectors
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Lightweight, modular sections make installation faster, safer, and less disruptive
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Flame-retardant, UV-stable Glass Reinforced Polyester Resin (GRP) composition ensures resilience in challenging environments
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Heavy-duty strength provides long-term durability for critical infrastructure
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Features a market-leading internal capacity of 310mm, allowing for greater cable volume within a compact footprint
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Manually handleable components eliminate heavy plant and improve on-site safety
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A smart, dual-purpose walkway feature supports operational access and personnel safety during maintenance
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Delivers an 80.7% carbon reduction compared to traditional concrete troughing - supporting major infrastructure clients in meeting Net Zero goals
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Reusability, recyclability, and localised UK manufacture further reduce embodied emissions and transport impact
With its polymer innovation, clear environmental benefits, and high UK content across design, manufacturing, and supply chain, the PROtrough 350 exemplifies the design excellence that the BPF Horners Award celebrates.
Standing out from a strong field
This year’s competition saw a wide range of entries from across the plastics sector. Against that strong and varied backdrop, our PROtrough™ 350 was selected as the standout winner.
The judging panel highlighted our product for its ability to redefine cable protection. Their direct feedback:
“From amongst a very strong and varied field of entries, “PROtrough 350: Reinventing Cable Protection with Polymer Innovation”, has been voted by our Awards Judging Panel as our 2025 Winner. The judges were very impressed with the innovative design and the light weight and durability of PROtrough, which clearly has several advantages over the current concrete alternative, not least in regards to sustainability.”
Recognition at Mansion House
To celebrate the win, our team attended the Horners Annual Banquet at Mansion House, London, on 3 October 2025.
This prestigious event, steeped in tradition and ceremony, brings together an exclusive audience including:
- City of London dignitaries
- Senior members of the Worshipful Company of Horners
- Leaders from across the plastics and manufacturing industries
It’s a rare honour, and one that underscores the significance of this recognition for Cubis Systems and for our PROtrough™ 350.
Looking ahead
Winning the BPF Horners Award is a proud milestone for Cubis Systems. It recognises not only the innovation of PROtrough™ 350, but also the commitment of our people to creating smarter, more sustainable infrastructure solutions.
We’d like to thank the Worshipful Company of Horners, the British Plastics Federation, and the judging panel for this honour., Thanks should also go to our customers and partners, whose collaboration and on-field feedback continue to inspire our drive for innovation. Above all, we’d like to thank the employees who work tirelessly to continue reinventing the way our world is built.
