The UK is set to become a global leader in sustainable manufacturing with the launch of four new research hubs, supported by a £44 million investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
These hubs aim to reduce carbon emissions, create high-value jobs, and bolster regional economies by addressing some of the most pressing challenges in manufacturing.
With the support from over 180 industry and civic partners, the hubs are expected to deliver real-world impact through innovation in key areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainable materials, and green production technologies.
Each of the four Manufacturing Research Hubs for a Sustainable Future will focus on its respective areas of industrial transformation. Together, they are receiving £44 million in EPSRC funding and have attracted an additional £38.8 million in direct and indirect contributions from partners.
The hubs will work closely with businesses of all sizes, providing new opportunities for upskilling the UK workforce and enhancing resilience in supply chains.
IGNITE Hub: Leading the charge in green steel
Based at Swansea University, the Indigenous Green-Steel for Net-Zero Innovation, Technology, and Enterprise (IGNITE) Hub is focusing on revolutionising the UK’s steel industry. As demand for green steel continues to rise, this hub will explore more innovative ways to recycle and manage high-quality steel scrap.
With over 30 partners, including Network Rail, Nissan, Rolls-Royce, and various government departments, the hub aims to reshape steel design and production while boosting domestic supply and reducing emissions.
AI-powered manufacturing with Co-AIMS
The Co-AIMS Hub, led by the University of Birmingham, brings together a consortium of academic and industrial partners to create AI-driven, people-centred manufacturing ecosystems. These systems aim to eliminate waste, empower workers, and increase autonomy across various sectors, including aerospace, clean energy, and food production.
Revolutionising plastics at the engineering plastics hub
At the University of Warwick, the Sustainable Engineering Plastics Hub is rethinking the design, reuse, and recycling of durable plastics. Working with researchers from the University of Manchester and UCL, the hub aims to reduce environmental impact across industries that heavily rely on plastics, including automotive, construction, and electronics.
With over 60 partners, including Jaguar Land Rover, Polestar, Siemens, and Biffa, the hub is helping to transition the plastics industry toward a circular economy.
The Carbon-Loop Hub
The University of Edinburgh leads the Carbon-Loop Hub, which focuses on converting industrial waste into valuable chemicals and materials using engineered microbes. A key feature of this hub is the development of the UK’s first national BioFactory, designed to scale up these bioprocessing innovations.
With more than 45 partners across seven sectors, the hub supports the UK’s move away from fossil fuels by creating low-emission alternatives and reducing landfill use.
Additional projects to boost innovation
In addition to the four major hubs, EPSRC is also funding six smaller-scale projects with a combined investment of nearly £7.5 million. These include innovations in pharmaceutical manufacturing, textile treatment, superconductors, and mega-casting technologies for vehicles.
In total, the UK has invested £79 million in sustainable manufacturing research during 2024 and 2025. This funding marks a significant step toward building cleaner, more efficient, and globally competitive industries.
