Amount awarded: £6,149,362
Led by: United Utilities
Partners: Aquaminerals, Cellvation, Cranfield University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Royal HaskoningDHV, Severn Trent Plc, South West Water Limited, United Utilities Water Limited, Yara
Biopolymers provide water companies and customers with the opportunity to supply fully sustainable raw materials for the production of several high value products. The production and marketing of biopolymers from wastewater and sludge opens up opportunities to realise several routes to circular economies. It also supports our industry in achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030 by reducing our needs for manufactured polymers which we use in daily operational activities. Biopolymers are produced naturally by bacteria in wastewater treatment. If this material can be extracted it could be used instead of procuring chemicals across multiple industries.
“This truly collaborative project will really open the door for the water industry with regards to the potential for biopolymer recovery from our wastewater and bioresources facilities. This diverse partnership will offer fantastic perspectives on circular economy approaches, reducing our carbon emissions whilst driving greater value for our customers.” – Pat Horne, Head of Strategy & Commercial Bioresources, Energy & Carbon, United Utilities
