Uplift360, a UK-based cleantech company developing chemical-based technologies to recycle and reuse advanced materials, has been awarded an Innovate UK Smart Grant to scale its pioneering low-energy chemical recycling technology – ChemR.

ChemR is the world’s first ambient-condition chemical recycling process for advanced composite materials. It has the potential to transform carbon fiber waste management across aerospace, automotive, defense, and clean energy sectors.

Resin-removed carbon fiber reinforced polymer after exposure to ChemR.

Solving UK’s carbon fiber waste problem

Due to their high strength, low weight, and corrosion resistance, the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) is rapidly expanding. During manufacturing, as much as 50% of CFRP is wasted. The UK currently produces between 30,000–50,000 tons of CFRP waste annually.

With only 20% of CFRP waste currently recycled, and less than 2% reused due to limitations in thermal and mechanical recycling methods, the sector urgently needs a scalable, sustainable alternative.

More about ChemR

As a proprietary chemical recycling process, ChemR reuses its solvent between batches and is capable of operating at room temperature and pressure. ChemR delivers high-purity recovered fibers ready for reinjection into composite manufacturing. Its direct solvent reuse and mild operating conditions offer a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative for manufacturers facing carbon reduction targets and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

Next step to scale the technology

Uplift360 will deliver a pilot-scale ChemR system, conduct real-world demonstrations with partners, and build evidence to support commercial roll-out across high-value industries.

As the only UK-developed chemical recycling solution for carbon fiber with a reusable solvent system, the project will aim to:

• Scale the process to an integrated pilot line

• Demonstrate that chemical recycling can be cost-effective

• Preserve fiber quality with no degradation

• Adapt flexibly across different applications

• Position the UK as a global leader in a market where only 2% of recycled carbon fiber is reused