THE first four jobs at Watchet’s newest – and most unusual – industry are being advertised, bringing a welcome economic boost for the area.

The Onion Collective formed a ground-breaking partnership with biotech company Biohm to create a manufacturing base where waste products are turned into construction materials through the use of fungi.

Mycelium – the ‘roots’ of fungi – are recognised as nature’s own recycler. The mycelium will consume organic matter – waste – and grow new matter such as insulation board.

Separately, research is under way on whether mycelium could also consume plastic waste, thanks to funding secured from Waitrose and Power to Change.

The four jobs – with salaries ranging from around £18,000 to £30,000 – will be based at the facility’s pilot plant on the site of the old paper mill in Watchet and test production could start in April.

The Onion Collective was determined not to sit back following the closure of the mill and the loss of 175 jobs five years ago and started on the quest for a new industry and jobs for Watchet.

The team was determined to find a way of bringing industry that values people and place – and is environmentally responsible.

After 18 months of in-depth research, funded by a grant from the Fore Trust, the collective settled on bio-based materials, met the pioneering company Biohm and decided to join forces to set up the bio-manufacturing facility.

Profits will be reinvested in more research and development, expansion of the facility and the community.

The aim is to create an environmentally and socially outstanding industry in Watchet, providing jobs with solid career prospects.

Sally Lowndes, a director with the Onion Collective, said Watchet had a proud industrial history and it was vital that any new industry was based firmly in the community – and put people and the environment first.

The staff being recruited would be at the forefront of an extraordinary new chapter in Watchet’s history, making a sustainable product that would replace toxic materials and plastic.

“Watchet is showcasing the possible by manufacturing products for the 21st century at a time when there’s a climate emergency. There is global interest,” said Sally.

The team has been involving Watchet’s community through an 11-member community panel that helps steer decisions as well as through six-monthly community meetings.

“We want to deliver an industry that’s good for the environment, good for people and good for the place,” added Sally.

Anyone interested in finding out more can visit www.onioncollective.co.uk The closing date for job applications is March 20.