Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM) feasibility study competition winners announced
Innovate UK has announced the 20 projects selected in the Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM) feasibility study competition. The REforMM feasibility study competition is supported through Innovate UK’s net zero make and use initiative.
The nominated organisations will each receive a share of £1.3 million to complete feasibility studies to develop new approaches to improve resource efficiency. With the range and scope of the applications being truly impressive, the transforming foundation industries challenge provided additional funding to allow more projects to be supported.
Resource efficiency
Broad adoption of resource efficiency is critical for economic growth, to protect our environment, and to ensure resilience of supply. However, maximum implementation of resource efficient solutions is a complex task.
This feasibility study competition is part of the £15 million REforMM programme. The programme is designed to help businesses to put in place the key building blocks to enable them to transform to a resource efficient future.
Materials and manufacturing vision
This Innovate UK programme builds on the materials and manufacturing vision 2050. The vision concludes that the UK has clear potential to become a world-class destination of choice for advanced low-carbon manufacturing. Improving resource efficiency is a key pillar in delivering this potential.
Moving towards increased sustainability
David Elson, Head of Manufacturing and Materials at Innovate UK, said: “We are delighted to announce such an impressive range of projects. Improved resource efficiency has been widely identified as a key and urgent lever as we move towards increased sustainability.
“It not only has the potential to reduce emissions across the supply chain but can also improve national and business resilience. The team is really looking forward to working with the projects towards successful outcomes.”
The 20 projects
A novel automated machine learning platform for predictive yield optimisation and real time tracking and tracing
Snowflow AI Ltd
An additive manufacturing product tracking system to improve traceability and manufacturer responsibility to support the remanufacture of raw materials
Batch.works Ltd
DEsign MEthodology for fibre steered Composite structures (DEMEC)
iCOMAT Ltd
Electroformed composite protection system (ECPS)
Ultima Forma Ltd
Increasing resource efficiency and sustainability of hard carbon synthesis
Batri Ltd and Swansea University
Innovating near-zero-waste 3D woven apparel components towards whole garment manufacturing
Weffan Ltd and University of Leeds
Modelling of Alloy Process Parameters for Enhanced Development (MAPPED)
Materials Nexus Ltd
Novel INFIQ® lead-free infrared quantum dot inks for photovoltaic applications
Quantum Science Ltd
Paintbox: development of printable direct-gloss paint material
Paintbox Banbury Ltd
Palladium electroplated tungsten semiconductor probes to minimise palladium use in semiconductor test
TauProbes Ltd
Project TUPLA: traceability of used PLA across the supply chain from manufacturer to recycle
Greenleaf Surgical Ltd, Re-mine Ltd and University of Bath
Proof of concept of energy efficient processing technology for wool natural fibre composites to create a sustainable modular construction panel (EEWC-ModularPoC)
Lightweight Structural Composite Panels Technologies Ltd
Recovery and reuse of silver metal across the high technology value chains (SILVER)
DZP Technologies Ltd and University of Warwick
Smartawood site hoarding from construction plastics waste
Plastecowood Ltd and University of Surrey
Sustainable Cost-Effective Technologies for L-Lactic Acid Production from UK Food Wastes (SCET-LAFOW)
Chip[s] Board Ltd
Projects supported by the transforming foundation industries challenge
Calcined clay supply chain for low carbon concrete
Aggregate Industries UK Ltd and Building Research Establishment Ltd
Embedding TRACeability in manufacturing construction Steel to aid reuse (E-TRACS)
The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products Ltd, Dynatics Solutions Ltd, University of Hertfordshire Higher Education Corporation and Leeds Beckett University
Improving paint industry circularity: from waste paint to new paint opacifiers
PRA World Ltd
Reclamex: a feasibility study for a UK aluminium smelting wastes treatment facility
Ultromex Ltd
Silicates & Aluminosilicates: Visibility for Value-chain Innovation & Environmental Responsibility (SAVVIER)
Valuechain Technology Ltd, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Ltd and European Metal Recycling Ltd.
