Derek Layfield

Ortech Industries Pty Ltd

Managing Director, Durra Panel

Derek joined Stramit Industries as a Junior Cadet in 1979, learning the ropes of sustainable manufacturing before purchasing the company’s manufacturing facility and technology rights to their product StramitBoard in 1991.
For more than 30 years, Derek has continually innovated and reengineered Durra Panel while continuing to manufacture Durra Panel in regional Victoria from waste wheat straw sourced locally from Australian farmers.
Derek is passionate about changing the way the world thinks about building. By speaking transparently about Durra Panel’s cradle to cradle life cycle, he hopes to educate about the natural carbon cycle, highlight greenwashing within the building industry and encourage people to choose truly sustainable building materials.
Derek’s enthusiasm for sustainability and responsible manufacturing has led to Durra Panel being installed in major projects such as airports, schools, stadiums, industrial facilities, data centres, offices and homes across Australia and the world.