Chemical recycling transformed using low-energy processes and low-impact chemicals, applied to advanced material waste streams.
TIMELINE
NOV 2022
UK MOD funded project on recycling body armour begun
FEB 2023
Proof of Concept Chemical Recycling
MAY 2023
Proof of Concept Resin Removal
SEPT 2023
Luxembourg R&D centre created
NOV 2023
Renew & ChemR patents filed
Resin Removal developed for more composite materials
Para-aramid recycling industrialised
AUG 2023
Body Armour Recycling Phase 2
OCT 2023
UK R&D Centre in Bristol
RECYCLED MATERIALS
WE CONVERT WASTE ARAMID FIBRES INTO ‘RENEWED’ CONTINUOUS FIBRES THAT CAN RE-ENTER THE HIGH VALUE SUPPLY CHAIN
We have devised an eco-friendly, low-energy technique for recycling fibres employed in high performance products such as body armour. Our innovation utilises sustainable chemicals to convert waste para-aramid fibres into a liquid, which can then be spun back into a high- performance material with similar characteristics to virgin material. Through this recycling process, valuable materials can be reintroduced into the supply chain.
NEW MATERIALS
WE DEVELOP HIGH-PERFORMANCE MATERIALS WITH A REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR THE DEFENCE AND SECURITY, AEROSPACE, AND AUTOMOTIVE SECTORS
Our latest addition is a team in Luxembourg developing new, natural fibre-based materials in bespoke high-performance applications such as defence, motorsport, aerospace and automotive. To ensure circularity, we’re also developing methods to recycle or regenerate the fibres we work with.
CASE STUDY
Uplift360 have received over £400K from the Defence and Security Accelerator to develop a technology capable of recycling the valuable para-aramids found in body armour. This circular economic technology has the potential to reduce CO2e emissions, bolster vulnerable supply chains and deliver substantial cost savings for defence.
RECYCLED CHEMICALS
WE EXTRACT PETROCHEMICAL FEEDSTOCK FROM WASTE POLYMERS AND COMPOSITES
We’ve developed a low-energy technology that can depolymerise waste materials into chemical compounds (their building blocks). These recycled chemical compounds can then re-enter the downstream supply chain to make new polymer materials. This bypasses the need to extract more fossil fuels, this not only reduces CO2 emissions but creates inexpensive petrochemicals.
DID YOU KNOW?
The original research into depolymerisation was funded by the Defence and Security Accelerator to extract aromatic compounds from waste para-aramids.
TECHNOLOGY
The process designed by Uplift360 is a really good example of how new and intelligent thinking can transform old practices in Defence. Their innovative approach could reduce wastage, save money and secure supply without compromising on high-quality kit for our armed forces.
- Minister of State for Defence: Baroness Goldie
Address | Luxembourg:
Uplift360, Europe Sarl 9 Rue Du Laboratoire, L- 1911, Luxembourg
Address | UK:
North Gate (UWE), Filton Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8RB
RESIN REMOVAL
WE SELECTIVELY REMOVE RESIN MATRICES FROM HIGH-VALUE REINFORCING FIBRES
Our low-energy, environmentally friendly process can separate high value fibres from their resin matrix in a waste material composite. By its nature it is fibre agnostic, meaning it has the potential to work for a wide range of fibre composites. The retrieved fibres will retain the woven or non-woven state they were in, retaining their high value.