Academic institutions and recycling industry players share a common, ambitious goal: a circular future for plastics. However, despite this shared objective, they are often divided by their different operating contexts. 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, such are the different operating contexts and realities. While I am writing from the perspective of a technology provider, we find that 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 are not substantially shared, leaving 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 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 adequate knowledge of their processes that scientific research could provide.
It’s clear: There is a gap between research insights and real-world applications, highlighting the necessity 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. Indeed, better communication on focus areas can create greater alignment on approaches and priorities for solutions with the greatest impact on sustainability.
This alignment should be guided by industry needs, considering commercial timescales. Additionally, it must consider what can work at a commercial scale while providing value and insight. By doing so, the collective industry can 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 inclined to collaborate. To overcome this, new communications models must be 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 reciprocal flow of information can enhance the relevance and impact of research, ultimately driving sustainability goals forward.
Equally, greater collaboration can unlock new pathways. 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 toward fostering effective collaboration, and it is a two-way street for improved efficiency. 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.
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