VALUED Programme

The UK's advanced materials sector is critical to its economy, representing 15% of GDP and employing millions of people across various industries. However, the sector heavily relies on unsustainable practices, including the use of fossil fuel-derived materials, unethical sourcing of scarce raw materials, and environmentally detrimental extraction processes.

These practices contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions and biodiversity loss. The UK, despite its world-class research base and government commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, faces challenges in transitioning towards sustainable sourcing and manufacturing of advanced materials.

Additionally, the UK's bio-waste is underutilised, mainly used for low-value energy production, instead of being converted into high-performance materials that could reduce emissions and drive economic growth.

Bio-Waste Conversion- VALUED Programme is developing scalable, efficient processes to convert bio-waste (e.g., cellulose, lignin, chitin) into valuable chemical precursors and advanced materials, utilising sustainable extraction methods.

High-Throughput (HT) Robotic Tools: We employ automated high-throughput robotic systems (like ATLAS and DigiFAb) to accelerate the processes and optimisation of bio-waste-derived materials, producing reliable and reproducible data sets for further development.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML is used to optimise material processing, performance, and sustainability predictions. These algorithms will analyse datasets to identify the best materials and processing conditions for industrial applications.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA): LCA and TEA will ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the entire production process, from bio-waste extraction to final product applications.

Advanced Manufacturing: Techniques like 3D printing, roll-to-roll processing, and coating is used to scale up the production of these advanced materials for use in high-performance applications such as batteries, fuel cells, and structural composites.