The Power of a Technology Portfolio: Films & Flexibles Packaging

The Power of a Technology Portfolio: Films & Flexibles Packaging

Films and flexibles packaging is one the fastest growing packaging types, is not readily recyclable, and currently contaminates the U.S.’s curbside recycling system. REMADE is exploring ways to make films and flexibles fully recyclable. 

According to the Recycling Partnership, a REMADE member, film & flexible packaging is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 3%. Today, much of this material is sent to landfills. And even in places where it’s collected, much of it is lost.

REMADE has multiple R&D projects working to address films and flexibles, including projects focused on optimization, collection and separation. Our current portfolio of films and flexibles projects – conducted in partnership with Unilever, Michigan Tech and others - is capable of saving up to 50 petajoules of embodied energy annually, up to 2 million metric tons of materials savings per year, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2 million metric tons annually.

For more information, read our 2020 Impact Report here.

The Power of a Technology Portfolio: Electronic Waste Recycling & Reuse

The Power of a Technology Portfolio: Electronic Waste Recycling & Reuse

Americans generated 6.9 MMT of electronic waste in 2019, recycling only 15% of that amount. E-waste can result in serious harm to human health and the environment, so REMADE is working to increase the recycling rates of electronics. Recovering e-waste’s precious metals also reduces dependence on finite raw materials and increases the resiliency of the US supply chain.

According to EE Times, a well-regarded industry publication, many electronic parts or products are remanufactured, including consumer products such as smartphones and PCs. The global market is estimated at $80 billion, and demand has surged during the COVID pandemic. This is good news, but REMADE knows more can be done.

The Institute has multiple e-waste R&D projects working to increase recycling rates and recover high value metals, including those focused on collection, condition assessment, and exploring the recovery of copper and other precious metals from e-waste.

Our current portfolio of e-waste R&D projects – conducted in partnership with Caterpillar, RIT and others - is capable of saving up to 27 petajoules of embodied energy per year, up to 200,000 metric tons of materials savings annually, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 1.8 million metric tons per year.

For more information, read our 2020 Impact Report here.

The Power of a Technology Portfolio: Paper & Cardboard Packaging

The Power of a Technology Portfolio: Paper & Cardboard Packaging

In our current US curbside recycling system, paper and cardboard are frequently contaminated, resulting in more than 17.2 million tons, or 25%, of MSW paper and paperboard being landfilled. REMADE is working to remove contaminants and increase recycling rates.

According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), a REMADE member, manufacturing paper and paperboard with recycled materials uses up to 68% less energy than using virgin materials.

REMADE has multiple R&D projects working to address paper and cardboard recycling challenges, including those focused on systems analysis, manufacturing and contamination removal, collection, and separation and recycling.

Our current portfolio of paper and carboard projects – conducted in partnership with MIT, the American Forest & Paper Association, and more - is capable of saving up to 150 petajoules in embodied energy annually, up to 8 million metric tons in material savings per year, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 8 million metric tons per year.

For more information, read our 2020 Impact Report here.

The Power of a Technology Portfolio: Heavy-Duty Off-Road Remanufacturing

The Power of a Technology Portfolio: Heavy-Duty Off-Road Remanufacturing

The U.S. is the largest remanufacturer in the world, supporting 180,000 full-time jobs and generating nearly $12 billion in exports. Heavy-duty off-road equipment is one of the most reman-intensive sectors. REMADE seeks to increase reman intensity in the heavy-duty off-road sector, creating even more jobs and more exports.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme’s International Resource Panel report, “Re-defining Value – The Manufacturing Revolution,” the lead author of which is REMADE CEO Nabil Nasr, buying a remanufactured product or service part can save 90% of the energy compared to buying a new part.

REMADE has multiple heavy-duty off-road remanufacturing R&D projects working to increase reman intensity in the sector, creating jobs and increasing exports. These include projects focused on design, inspection and condition assessment, and repair/restoration.

Our current portfolio of reman R&D projects in the sector is capable of saving up to 50 petajoules of embodied energy annually, up to 1 million metric tons in materials savings per year, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 million metric tons annually.

For more information, read our 2020 Impact Report here.