York researchers role in drive for greener industry

TransFIRe (Transforming Foundation Industries Research and Innovation hub) was developed in response to the government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) to transform the foundation industries, namely: chemicals, cement, ceramics, glass, metals and paper. These industries produce 75 per cent of all materials in the UK economy and are vital for the UK’s manufacturing and construction industries. 

UKRI is funding the project through the ISCF over three years. TransFIRe is a consortium of 20 researchers from 12 institutions, 49 companies and 14 non-governmental organisations.

York is contributing expertise on engaging with communities to co-develop new businesses. The research at York will be led by Professor Peter Ball in the University of York School for Business and Society, working alongside Dr Steve Cinderby and Dr Gary Haq in the Stockholm Environment Institute at York.

Professor Ball said: “The foundation industries are vital to the UK economy, but they present a challenge in terms of the transition to a green economy.

“Here at York we’ll be drawing on our research expertise in sustainability and resource efficiency to foster collaboration to help transform the industries into clean, sustainable businesses. 

“It is not simply about less waste, it is about opportunities to benefit from untapped value in these industries.”

Funding for the TransFIRe project is part of a £166.5m Government package to develop technologies in carbon capture, greenhouse gas removal and hydrogen, while also helping find solutions to decarbonise the UK’s polluting sectors including manufacturing, steel, energy and waste.

Find out more about the UK government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.