Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM)
The programme aims for the UK to be a leader in resource efficiency with organisations understanding the environmental, social and economic impact of the full lifecycle and thriving from adoption of resource efficient solutions which are fundamental to UK and global Net Zero ambitions.
About the programme
Part of Innovate UK’s focus on net zero is the £15m Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM) programme. This includes the delivery of a number of ‘Sprint’ activities which aim to build a community of engaged people around a particular topic to debate barriers, challenges and identify key opportunities in moving towards increased resource efficiency.
REforMM is one of two programmes delivered under the Reimagining Materials and Manufacturing together banner and is designed to put in place the key building blocks to help businesses transform to a resource efficient future. It is informed by Innovate UK’s 2050 vision document which delves into the challenges and opportunities that lie in front of UK materials and manufacturing sectors as we transition to a sustainable, resilient and technologically advanced industry.
The Sprint activities align with key areas of focus in the vision, namely:
- Materials for the future economy
- Smart design
- Resilient supply chains
- World-class production
- Longer in use and reuse
This programme aims for:
- The UK to lead in resource efficiency
- UK organisations to understand the environmental, social and economic impact of the full product lifecycle
- UK organisations to thrive from the development and adoption of resource efficient solutions which are fundamental to UK and global net zero ambitions
Core focus areas of the programme
FOCUS AREA
Materials for the future economy
New material applications for cutting-edge products that reduce emissions, energy consumption and costs.
FOCUS AREA
Smart design
Effective design methods, design for resource efficiency, and design for maximum through-life value.
FOCUS AREA
Resilient supply chains
Sustainable feedstocks, supply chain visibility, and co-location of waste and emission streams.
FOCUS AREA
World-class production
Flexible production capacity, minimal material waste, high-quality products, high productivity, and full adaptivity.
FOCUS AREA
Longer in use and reuse
Minimising materials use and waste, practising complete traceability, and using new remanufacturing services.
Feasibility study competition
Innovate UK launched the REforMM feasibility competition with the aim to support UK materials and manufacturing organisations to become more resource efficient. Simultaneous demonstrations of how UK materials and manufacturing will become more resilient or technologically advanced were encouraged.
20 participants have been selected to take part in the first stage of the competition, with a number of these projects having been supported by the Transforming Foundation Industries (TFI) challenge. The range and scope of their ideas is truly impressive, including:
- Chip[s] Board Ltd is creating sustainable cost-effective technologies for L-Lactic acid production from UK food wastes.
- BatchW Limited is revolutionising traceability and manufacturer responsibility to support the remanufacture of raw materials.
- Pra World Limited is improving paint industry circularity, from waste paint to new paint opacifiers.
The businesses will each receive a share of £1 million to complete feasibility studies for their projects.
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