The graphene market has reached $12.5 billion in 2016. Experts are now projecting the market to reach $18.2 billion by 2021.

The various applications of graphene are responsible for the growth of its industry, but such demand can only be met through proper practices and an excellent operation strategy. Top companies like Elcora Advanced Materials Corp. (TSXV:ERA.V, NASDAQ:ECORF) serves as a good example for other graphene companies by leading the way with excellent management, great processing technology, and vertical integration.

Elcora’s leadership in the market is supported by its access to graphite mines in Sri Lanka. Because it has access to its own mines, the company is able to produce a steady output of the raw material for use in the development process of graphene. On top of that, the leadership behind Elcora has all the qualities to help propel the company toward a brighter future. Founder and CEO Troy Grant is an expert in finance, mergers and acquisitions, business strategies, and planning. He is responsible for day-to-day management at Elcora.

In addition, CFO Theo van der Linde is responsible for the group’s finance.

He is a chartered accountant specializing in exploration and mining companies. He has handled key projects in South Africa, West-Africa, East-Africa, Peru, United Kingdom, Sri-Lanka and the United States.

Meanwhile, COO Ian Flint’s responsibilities include mining resources and graphene. He has more than two decades of experience in graphite processing, metallurgy, and engineering. Before working for Elcora, he has provided his services to Bissett Creek, Victoria graphite, Quinto and Crystal graphite Corp., among others.

Elcora’s management is enabling it to fully commit to producing quality graphene for industries that need it, including car makers that are looking to improve their lithium-ion batteries.

Technology and vertical integration

Vertical integration could be a great business structure according to Harvard Business Review. It’s a structure wherein one company handles two or more of the production processes that are usually covered by third-party entities.

The success of vertical integration depends on the strategy of the company, says the study. It also depends on what sector that company is on and for businesses who are into the retailing of valuable materials, the vertical integration could be put to good use.

Elcora is a vertically integrated company. Because of its business structure, Elcora has complete control over their products from start to finish. Starting from the mining of graphite from mines, and up to the production of graphene into valuable products; all of which are under Elcora’s control.

This guarantees quality products from the producer as they are able to control the purity of graphite from end to finish.

Elcora is eco-friendly

For its production, Elcora makes use of a low-cost and eco-friendly process that removes the need for chemicals during the process. Through its process, Elcora is able to create 55 percent pure graphene products made from natural graphite.

Elcora’s technology, experienced management, and solid structure allow it to become one of the key players in the emerging industry. Through it, the company not only guarantees great returns for their investors, but they also solidify the future of high-quality graphene and its array of applications.