Back-up rings have no intended sealing function. Instead, as their name indicates, they are protective and supporting elements made from extrusion-resistant materials which generally have a rectangular cross-section. They are installed in a groove together with an elastomer sealing element, preferably with a corresponding O-ring in static applications.
Comment: The UK is closer to deindustrialisation than reindustrialisation
"..have been years in the making" and are embedded in the actors - thus making it difficult for UK industry to move on and develop and apply...