Advanced Polymers breaks the mould with silicone innovation supported by Innovate UK
Advanced Polymers, a leading manufacturer of silicone rubber extrusions, rubber mouldings and silicone gaskets based in Worthing, has been at the forefront of transforming silicone rubber recycling. The company has developed Silicrumb, the first-ever recycled silicone rubber product and is rapidly advancing its global reach with the support of Innovate UK.
Globally, three million tonnes of silicone is produced a year. With no mechanical recycling option previously available, much of this silicone waste has historically ended up in landfill. Silicrumb represents a groundbreaking solution to this environmental challenge.
Silicrumb is an alternative to virgin Silicone Rubber compound, it can be used in extrusion and compression moulding applications in a very similar process. It offers virtually like for like technical properties to virgin Silicone Rubber, is lighter, offers amazing and unique patterning and surface textures, and can be used in countless applications.
Advanced Polymers began working with Innovate UK Business Growth in October 2022, thanks to a connection between Innovation and Growth Specialist, Ryan Davies, and Adur and Worthing Councils’ economic development team. It identified that Ryan could support Advanced Polymers in advancing and launching its innovative solution.
Recognising Silicrumb’s potential, Ryan developed a tailored action plan that aligned with the company’s goals.
This collaboration gave Advanced Polymers essential support identifying and reviewing applications for grant funding, including a £31,000 Innovate UK Transformative Technologies Fund.
To further underscore the environmental benefits of its product, Advanced Polymers tried new approaches and markets by actively marketing to existing customers and the press, attending multiple trade shows and conducting site visits to establish relationships, specifically with airlines and their suppliers in need of recycled silicone rubber as part of a strategy to be carbon net zero by 2050. Advanced Polymers is one of the founder members of the Aircraft Interiors Recycling Association.
Joe Field, Director at Advanced Polymers, says: “The support we received from Innovate UK Business Growth, particularly in accessing the Innovate UK Transformative Technologies Fund, has been crucial in transforming Silicrumb from an innovative idea into a globally recognised product and in taking Advanced Polymers on an accelerated growth trajectory.”
Strategic support, Innovate UK Business Connect and IP management
Another significant aspect of Innovate UK Business Growth’s support was facilitating an IP (intellectual property) Audit for Advanced Polymers. This audit by the IPO, part-funded by Innovate UK, allowed the company to identify key opportunities and areas for protection, ensuring a robust intellectual property strategy. This effort was instrumental in securing the technology’s market position and fostering further innovation.
Joe notes: “The £2,500 funded IP Audit helped us understand the critical areas for IP protection, which has been vital in maintaining our competitive edge.”
Furthermore, Ryan introduced the company to sector-specific contacts at Innovate UK Business Connect, which aims to help organisations, such as Advanced Polymers, build its network and explore potential partnership opportunities, both domestically and internationally.
Internationalisation and industry reach
Innovate UK Business Growth’s support has been pivotal in accelerating the development and testing of Silicrumb and its flame-retardant version, Silicrumb FR, for global audiences. Advanced Polymers is collaborating with major organisations, including Qantas, the Ministry of Defence, Fill Refill, Phillips, county councils, and various smaller businesses to integrate Silicrumb products into their supply chains, thereby encouraging a sustainable recycling loop.
Joe adds: “Innovate UK Business Growth has helped us fast-track our technology’s testing and awareness on a global scale. We are now working with significant partners across industries to implement Silicrumb in their supply chains, which will keep silicone out of landfills and reaffirm the UK’s leadership in recycling technology.”
Achieving growth and sustainable development
Advanced Polymers and Silicrumb have gained significant recognition, having featured in the November 2023 issue of Aircraft Interiors Magazine. Notably, Qantas is trialling an innovative wireless phone charging station using Silicrumb, showcasing its potential to revolutionise sustainable practices in the aviation industry and Prysmian connectivity using Silicrumb Seals in subsea connections for offshore wind turbines.
Over the next five years, Advanced Polymers anticipates steady growth driven by increasing customer demand and evolving legislation, thanks to its innovative product exclusively produced in the UK. The company expects to expand its workforce by 5%, with additional benefits for the mixing and grinding partners involved in the Silicrumb project.
Advanced Polymers’ environmentally sustainable global solutions are poised to boost the UK’s economy. Ongoing partnerships with major companies such as Phillips highlight the potential for expanding production, creating new jobs and increasing economic growth in the UK.
The support we received from Innovate UK Business Growth, particularly in accessing the Innovate UK Transformative Technologies Fund, has been crucial in transforming Silicrumb from an innovative idea into a globally recognised product and in taking Advanced Polymers on an accelerated growth trajectory.
– Joe Field, Director at Advanced Polymers