GB Chemicals to Bridge Lab Research and Industry for a Greener Future

GB Chemicals Aims to Transform Industrial Waste into Green Chemistry

In a bold step towards reshaping the future of sustainable industry, the United Kingdom is set to launch a major new research centre, Great British (GB) Chemicals, led by the Universities of Sheffield, Newcastle, and Nottingham. Backed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), this initiative aims to replace fossil-based petrochemicals and recycle industrial waste through advanced sustainable chemistry. Referenced in the UK Government’s latest Industrial Strategy, the centre brings together researchers from ten universities and over thirty industry partners, positioning the UK as a global leader in clean technology innovation.

The centre’s mission is to accelerate the commercialisation of green chemical alternatives, thereby driving economic growth, reducing pollution, and enhancing national resilience. Professors Peter Styring (Sheffield), Libby Gibson (Newcastle), and Mike George (Nottingham) will co-direct the initiative, which seeks to translate cutting-edge laboratory research into practical, scalable solutions. In doing so, it will also promote UK investment, job creation, and export opportunities.

According to EPSRC’s Kedar Pandya, the investment will support the transition of the UK’s chemical industry towards circular, low-carbon practices, aligning with national decarbonisation and resource efficiency goals. Similarly, Rupert Lewis of NERC emphasised the collaboration’s potential to enhance innovation, competitiveness, and the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Given the chemical sector’s annual turnover of £65.5 billion and its role in supplying essential materials for everyday products, the initiative is both economically and environmentally significant.

GB Chemicals will focus on converting industrial waste into valuable products using advanced chemical and biological technologies. In addition to promoting a circular economy, the programme will prioritise the development of technical and entrepreneurial skills to prepare a modern, sustainable workforce. Professor Styring highlighted the importance of a whole-systems approach and stakeholder collaboration, noting the initiative’s adaptability and potential to include new partners.

Professor Gibson underscored the urgency of reducing carbon emissions from petrochemicals, which are embedded in nearly all manufactured goods. She stressed that the initiative would bridge the gap between research and industry through pilot projects, data sharing, and training, ultimately supporting policy development and long-term environmental benefits. Meanwhile, Professor George pointed to the underappreciated yet vital role of chemical-using industries in the UK economy, and emphasised the need for strong university-industry collaboration, particularly in technical skill development.

The centre, funded with £22.5 million over seven years, will support “Moonshot” projects in catalysis, scale-up initiatives, and flexible funding streams to respond to emerging technologies. It will also host conferences, training sessions, and consultations, while fostering entrepreneurship through university spinouts and advancing research to higher technology readiness levels. Although the official launch is scheduled for 1 August 2025, preparatory work is already underway to ensure a robust and impactful start. With its integrated approach and national scope, GB Chemicals is poised to redefine the UK’s chemical sector through sustainable innovation and collaborative excellence.

Editor’s Note:

The establishment of the Great British (GB) Chemicals research centre marks a pivotal advancement in the United Kingdom’s scientific and economic trajectory. By bringing together leading researchers from ten universities and over thirty industry partners, this initiative exemplifies how integrated, multidisciplinary collaboration can yield meaningful progress toward decarbonisation, resource efficiency, and industrial innovation. With the support of EPSRC and NERC, and as part of the UK Government’s broader Industrial Strategy, GB Chemicals is not only a centre for cutting-edge research but a critical node in positioning the UK as a global leader in clean technology and circular economic practices. This initiative’s importance extends beyond academia. It addresses the urgent need to transition key sectors away from fossil-based chemicals through sustainable chemistry solutions and the valorisation of industrial waste. The centre’s emphasis on skill development, entrepreneurial support, and “moonshot” innovation reflects a long-term vision, one that equips both industry and society to meet 21st-century challenges. In its scale, ambition, and alignment with national objectives, GB Chemicals represents a bold and timely commitment to economic resilience, environmental responsibility, and scientific excellence.

According to Skoobuzz, GB Chemicals signals a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable UK economy. Its success could shape global standards in green innovation and responsible industry.