Bridging the gap between science and industry for sustainable packaging
Geoff Smith
Chief Technology Officer
Geoff leads the engineering function, focusing on technology design and development. He has nine years’ experience in pyrolysis plant development and operation, in addition to experience developing novel cleantech solutions. Prior to Itero, Geoff held the position of Research Scientist at the National Physical Laboratory. He holds the CEng, MIChemE designation, as well as an MSci in Physical Natural Sciences from University College London.
This article was originally published on Packaging Europe.
Academic institutions and recycling industry players share a common, ambitious goal: a circular future for plastics. However, their different operating contexts often divide these industries and challenge collaboration. So, how can we bring these important stakeholders together? Geoff Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Itero, tells us more.
Despite being on the same team, it often feels like academia and industry are playing different sports, given their different operating contexts and realities. While I write from the perspective of a technology provider, our experience has shown there is a gap between academia and industry when it comes to chemical recycling technologies.
At present, the strengths and challenges of academia and industry for accelerating circular plastic leaves room for greater efficiency and cooperation.
Understanding the divide
What is at the centre of this gap? Despite our shared sustainability goals (even where there may be differing opinions on approaches and priorities), one of the primary challenges is the differences between the respective operating contexts.
Practical concerns such as scalability, continuous operation, and the applicability of scientific innovations to real-world waste management are often not adequately considered in academic research. Equally, industry players could be accused of charging forward without the expansive knowledge of their processes that scientific research can provide.
It’s clear: There is a gap between research insights and real-world applications, demonstrating the case for a more integrated approach, where insights and realities of scientific advancements inform industry development, and vice versa.
This misalignment in the chemical recycling world between academia and industry underscores the need for better communication and collaboration. Any realignment should be guided by industry needs, considering commercial timescales. Additionally, considering what is feasible at a commercial scale while providing value and insight. In doing so, the industry can collectively move forward in an open-minded, non-siloed manner.
The case for collaboration
Leveraging industry insights is crucial for advancing scientific research in ways that are both practical and applicable. Industry players possess invaluable knowledge about the operational realities, regulatory requirements, and public opinions that shape the recycling landscape. Conversely, the scientific community can provide cutting-edge research and innovative solutions that can be refined and adapted for industrial use.
Competition and a lack of transparency between players often make the industry guarded and less collaborative. To overcome this, new communications models based on trusted alliances between industry and academia, where industrial information is open and accessible for partners across the supply chain while considering Intellectual Property (IP) rights. A flow of information based on mutual reciprocity will support the relevance and impact of research, ultimately driving sustainability goals forward.
Equally, new pathways can be forged by improved collaboration. For example, for industry, scientific understanding of their processes could accelerate their systemic impact. Whereas for academia, there is an opportunity to understand where further research is urgently needed for industry innovation.
For example, industry needs to be more aware of how the choices they make affect downstream circularity, beyond yield considerations. For example, what conditions, feedstock, and catalysts would help to improve the whole system’s circularity? This sort of knowledge needs to be scalable to industry conditions and real-world variability.
Ideally, academia could work with commercial operators to use industrial pilot plants to validate research or to guide what questions are asked – bringing in a diverse understanding of the problems faced when improving processes, to find the best paths forward together.
Breaking down barriers
Encouraging greater industry engagement in academia is a critical step for more effective collaboration, and it is a two-way street for communication models. There are multiple paths for connection. For example, creating opportunities for industry professionals to participate in academic conferences and panels can provide valuable insights and foster networking.
Equally, involving academia as speakers and participants at predominantly commercial conferences can help industry players understand the reality of the technological landscape, and academia can provide new perspectives from a place of greater technical neutrality.
Effective communication requires not only creating positive dialogue but also simultaneously addressing misconceptions and practical considerations. Industry players may harbour doubts about the applicability of academic research, while scientists may not have a full view of industry constraints. Overcoming these barriers requires generosity and openness.
Promoting integration
Rethinking the dynamics of conferences and professional gatherings can significantly enhance cross-pollination between science and industry. Designing interdisciplinary panels and sessions can encourage networking and partnerships, thereby bridging the gap.
Establishing industry-academia collaborative networks and encouraging joint research projects can further solidify these efforts. The recent CHEMREC conference serves as a commendable example, with its inclusion of industry players, representing about one-third of the participants. Such initiatives are steps in the right direction and should be expanded and replicated.
In the end…
Looking towards a collaborative future, it is evident that the integration of scientific research with industrial practice holds the key to advancing sustainable recycling technologies, as it has for so many technological improvements of the past. By understanding and addressing the requirements for effective collaboration, we can bridge the gap between these two communities.
Speaking from our experience at Itero, working and connecting with academics and academic institutions has given us fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of our work, in addition to the analysis and equipment that academia can provide.
We are continually looking at the latest research and publications, simultaneously seeking out new academic partnerships, while strengthening our existing relationships.
For example, at our pilot plant in West London, we welcome new academic partnerships for dynamic, relevant research and development, inviting partners and projects to reach out, especially where access to our equipment would further the sustainability impact of our industry.
In conclusion, the call to action is clear: Collaborate more! By fostering a culture of openness, mutual respect, and shared goals, we can drive innovation and sustainability in recycling technologies, paving the way for a circular future for plastics.