The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) have announced £44 million for four hubs which will tackle UK manufacturing challenges. Their work will cut carbon, create high-value jobs and boost regional economies.
The new Manufacturing Research Hubs for a Sustainable Future will bring together world-class researchers with over 180 industry and civic partners to drive practical, sustainable innovation across the UK.
The four hubs have attracted a total of £38.8 million in direct and indirect contributions from partners.
MANUFACTURING RESEARCH HUB IN SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING PLASTICS
The Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub (SMI Hub), which is part of the Henry Royce Institute, will collaborate as part of a wider team in the new £13.6 Million Manufacturing Research Hub in Sustainable Engineering Plastics (SEP). This 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 SEP Hub will be led by Professor Ton Peijs of Warwick Manufacturing Group at The University of Warwick, collaborating with researchers from The University of Manchester and University College London.
The Manchester team will be led by Professor Michael Shaver through the SMI 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.
By focusing on practical needs, the Hub will help move the UK toward a circular economy—where products are reused instead of thrown away. The work will support businesses in cutting waste and reducing their environmental impact while staying competitive. It will also strengthen local supply chains and help shape future policies that promote innovation and sustainability in UK manufacturing.
A GREENER MANUFACTURING SOLUTION
This Hub is one of four, backed by a total of £44 million through the EPSRC the new Manufacturing Research Hubs for a Sustainable Future will bring together world-class researchers with over 180 industry and civic partners to drive practical, sustainable innovation across the UK.
Each hub will focus on a different critical area of manufacturing, from creating net-zero supply chains and resilient production systems to transforming waste and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels:
- The Ignite Hub, led by Professor Cameron Pleydell-Pearce at Swansea University, aims to deliver environmental and economic resilience for key areas of the UK manufacturing economy including defence, transport and energy.
- The Co-AIMS: Research Hub on Collaborative AI for Manufacturing Sustainability, led by Professor Niels Lohse of the University of Birmingham, aims to transform UK manufacturing by pioneering regenerative, AI-powered, people-centric manufacturing ecosystems that eliminate waste, empower workers and enhance autonomy.
- The Carbon-Loop Hub, led by Professor Stephen Wallace of The University of Edinburgh, will develop engineered microbes capable of converting industrial waste into high-value, sustainable chemicals and materials.
THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING
In addition to the four hubs, EPSRC is funding an additional six projects, to the tune of nearly £7.5 million.
The projects will focus on the evolution of manufacturing technologies and processes, to grow and transform manufacturing sectors in areas where the UK can lead and be more productive.
Co-created with businesses, academics will focus on increasing the sustainability of manufacturing processes, which is a UK academic area of strength.
This investment builds on a total of £79 million invested in 2024 and 2025, through previous iterations of this opportunity.
Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of EPSRC, said:
These 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.
