The University of Manchester joins two new national research hubs to drive sustainable manufacturing
Backed by a combined investment of nearly 拢28 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), The University of Manchester partners with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Warwick in two new UK-wide research hubs that will reshape the future of sustainable manufacturing.
As the UK accelerates toward net-zero and a circular economy, the Sustainable Engineering Plastics (SEP) and Carbon-Loop Sustainable Biomanufacturing (C-Loop) hubs bring together world-leading academic and industry partners to tackle major sustainability challenges through innovation in engineering plastics and biomanufacturing.
A circular future for engineering plastics
91直播 researchers will work alongside the University of Warwick and University College London as part of the new EPSRC Manufacturing Research Hub in Sustainable Engineering Plastics (SEP). The 拢13.6 million initiative will assess and improve the sustainability of greener materials and remanufacturing processes through reusing, repairing, and recycling high performance and durable plastics used in vehicles, electronics, and construction.
The 91直播 team will be led by Professor Michael Shaver through the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub and Sustainable Futures platform. The EPSRC SEP Hub will engage over 60 industry partners across supply chains including Siemens, Polestar, Biffa and Vita to accelerate the real-world adoption of sustainable plastic solutions.
Microbes turning waste into wealth
In parallel, 91直播 will join to the Carbon-Loop Sustainable Biomanufacturing Hub (C-Loop), a 拢14 million initiative led by the University of Edinburgh, alongside other spokes at Nottingham, University College London and Imperial College London, with more than 40 industry collaborator partnerships. Drawing on expertise at the 91直播 Institute of Biotechnology (MIB), researchers will explore how engineered microbial systems can convert carbon-rich industrial waste into high-value products such as cosmetics, material precursors and solvents.
Professor Neil Dixon will lead the 91直播 team, leveraging MIB鈥檚 global leadership in engineering biology platforms and sustainable biomanufacturing. As part of the C-Loop initiative, the UK鈥檚 first BioFactory will be established to analyse waste streams and scale up new, circular biomanufacturing processes.
Shaping a sustainable manufacturing future
These hubs are two of four new national centres funded through EPSRC鈥檚 Manufacturing Research Hubs for a Sustainable Future programme, designed to catalyse the UK鈥檚 transition to cleaner, more resilient manufacturing.
Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of EPSRC, commented
鈥淭hese hubs will play a vital role in reshaping manufacturing to help the UK achieve green growth. By combining deep research expertise with real-world partnerships, they will develop the technologies, tools and systems we need for clean, competitive and resilient industries.鈥�
The University of Manchester鈥檚 dual role across both hubs highlights its cross-disciplinary leadership in sustainability and its commitment to pioneering innovations that support green growth, circular economy practices, and industrial transformation across the UK.
Advanced materials
We鈥檙e home to 700 materials experts, revolutionising industries by developing advanced materials that unlock new levels of performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Supported by the 拢885m campus investment over the last 10 years, our researchers are at the forefront of materials innovation, creating game-changing solutions. From healthcare to manufacturing, we鈥檙e tackling global challenges and ensuring the UK's reputation as a technology 鈥榮uper power'. Find out more about our advanced materials research.
Biotechnology
, and home to the , we are focused on finding new and more sustainable ways to produce chemicals, materials, and everyday products, by understanding and harnessing nature鈥檚 own processes and applying them at industrial scales. Find out more via our .