Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM)
The programme aims for the UK to be a leader in resource efficiency with organisations understanding the environmental, social and economic impact of the full lifecycle and thriving from adoption of resource efficient solutions which are fundamental to UK and global Net Zero ambitions.
About the programme
Part of Innovate UK’s focus on net zero is the £15m Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM) programme. This includes the delivery of a number of ‘Sprint’ activities which aim to build a community of engaged people around a particular topic to debate barriers, challenges and identify key opportunities in moving towards increased resource efficiency.
REforMM is one of two programmes delivered under the Reimagining Materials and Manufacturing together banner and is designed to put in place the key building blocks to help businesses transform to a resource efficient future. It is informed by Innovate UK’s 2050 vision document which delves into the challenges and opportunities that lie in front of UK materials and manufacturing sectors as we transition to a sustainable, resilient and technologically advanced industry.
The Sprint activities align with key areas of focus in the vision, namely:
- Materials for the future economy
- Smart design
- Resilient supply chains
- World-class production
- Longer in use and reuse
This programme aims for:
- The UK to lead in resource efficiency
- UK organisations to understand the environmental, social and economic impact of the full product lifecycle
- UK organisations to thrive from the development and adoption of resource efficient solutions which are fundamental to UK and global net zero ambitions
Core focus areas of the programme
FOCUS AREA
Materials for the future economy
New material applications for cutting-edge products that reduce emissions, energy consumption and costs.
FOCUS AREA
Smart design
Effective design methods, design for resource efficiency, and design for maximum through-life value.
FOCUS AREA
Resilient supply chains
Sustainable feedstocks, supply chain visibility, and co-location of waste and emission streams.
FOCUS AREA
World-class production
Flexible production capacity, minimal material waste, high-quality products, high productivity, and full adaptivity.
FOCUS AREA
Longer in use and reuse
Minimising materials use and waste, practising complete traceability, and using new remanufacturing services.
Feasibility study competition winners
Innovate UK launched the REforMM feasibility competition with the aim to support UK materials and manufacturing organisations to become more resource efficient. 20 participants have been selected to take part in the first stage of the competition, with a number of these having been supported by the Transforming Foundation Industries challenge.
Read more
Our Experts
Related Opportunities
Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab
Opens: 11/12/2024 Closes: 12/02/2025
$50k-$250k per project for novel sustainable packaging or alternatives that can replace single-use packaging for specialty crops.
More Information
European Space Agency: Space For a Sustainable Textile Industry
Opens: 27/01/2025 Closes: 23/03/2025
ESA seek proposals for feasibility studies for space-based solutions and services to enhance transparency, sustainability and resilience across the cotton value chain and wider textile industry.
More Information
Apply to pitch to investors at Innovate UK's Materials & Manufacturing Showcase 2025
Opens: 10/01/2025 Closes: 21/01/2025
Are you an innovative business in the materials and manufacturing sectors looking to raise funding? Apply to pitch at Innovate UK’s Materials and Manufacturing Showcase.
More Information
Weffan: Weaving Sustainability into Fashion
Learn how a Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM) feasibility study enabled Weffan to investigate the optimisation of machinery, forge crucial UK partnerships, and develop a business case for 3D woven garments.
Learn more
Valuechain: AI Supply Chain Solution Crosses Industry Boundaries
Learn how a Resource Efficiency for Materials and Manufacturing (REforMM) feasibility study enabled Valuechain to partner with industry experts and develop an AI-first approach to mapping potential supply chain routes.
Learn more
Related Events and Recordings
Related programme
Sustainable bio-based Materials and Manufacture (SusBioMM)
The sustainable bio-based materials and manufacture (SusBioMM) programme seeks to address the challenge of developing innovations in sustainable and scalable biomanufacturing processes.
Manufacturing Vision 2050
The design of the funding programme has been informed by Innovate UK's Manufacturing Vision for 2050. The document is a re-imagination of materials and manufacturing together, delving into the challenges and opportunities that lie in front of the UK materials and manufacturing sectors over the next 30 years. With more than 170 recent references analysed and more than 120 stakeholders consulted, this is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind. Click here to read more.