Technology

REMADE℠ research and development seeks to increase U.S. manufacturing’s energy efficiency, reduce emissions, decrease the use of raw or virgin materials, and increase the use and supply of recycled materials. Our work is dedicated to increasing the reuse, remanufacturing, recycling and recovery of energy-intensive materials.

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Our Focus

MAterials

REMADE’s work to accelerate the Circular Economy through technological innovation is focused on four energy-intensive material classes: metals, including steel and aluminum; polymers, including plastics; fibers, including papers and textiles; and electronic scrap (e-scrap), formerly referred to as e-waste.

About Materials

Nodes

Our five key areas of concentration, or nodes, cover the material life cycle: Systems Analysis & Integration; Design for Re-X; Manufacturing Materials Optimization; Remanufacturing and End-of-Life (EOL) Reuse; and Recycling & Recovery

About Nodes

Material Classes

These four energy-intensive classes represent the greatest areas of opportunity to impact our technical performance metrics from a material perspective. From an investment point of view, we get the best chance of making the most impact by concentrating our efforts on these groups of materials.

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Nodes

Our focus on accelerating the circular economy through technological solutions is grounded in our five key areas of concentration (Nodes). This Node framework allows the Institute to address the cross-cutting challenges that occur at each stage of the material lifecycle. 

Systems Analysis & Integration

Data collection, standardization,
metrics, and tools for understanding material flow

Design for Re-X

Design tools to improve material utilization and reuse at End-of-Life (EOL)

Manufacturing Materials Optimization

Technologies to reduce in-process losses, reuse scrap materials, and utilize secondary feedstocks in manufacturing

remanufacturing & eol reuse

Efficient and cost effective technologies for cleaning, component restoration, condition assessment, and reverse logistics

recycling & recovery

Rapid gathering, identification, sorting, separation, contaminant removal, reprocessing and disposal

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in the production of plastic bottles, packaging materials, and fibers. It is known for its lightweight, transparent, and durable properties, making it a popular choice for various applications. PET is recyclable and commonly identified by the recycling symbol with the number 1 inside, indicating its suitability for recycling and reprocessing.

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Rubber

The materials of modern pneumatic tires are synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric, and wire, along with carbon black and other chemical compounds.
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Polyamides

This complex polymer includes materials such as nylon and Kevlar.

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Polyolefins

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile and widely used thermoplastic polymer that is known for its strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance. It is a key component in various everyday products, including plastic bags, films, bottles, pipes, and containers. PE is categorized into different types based on its density, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Its properties, affordability, and ease of processing have contributed to its extensive use across numerous industries, from packaging and construction to automotive and medical applications.

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Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is a highly versatile thermoplastic polymer known for its durability, chemical resistance, and high melting point. It is widely used in a diverse range of applications, including packaging materials, textiles, automotive components, and medical devices. PP offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good impact resistance, and flexibility, making it suitable for various demanding environments. It is also known for its resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation, enhancing its suitability for outdoor and long-term applications. PP is recyclable and widely used in both consumer and industrial products due to its cost-effectiveness and favorable performance characteristics.

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Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic polymer that is widely used in the production of disposable foam products, such as food containers, packaging materials, and insulation. It is a lightweight material with excellent thermal insulation properties. PS can exist in two forms: expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as foam or styrofoam, and solid polystyrene. EPS is lightweight, rigid, and offers good cushioning and insulation, while solid polystyrene is transparent, brittle, and commonly used in products like CD cases and disposable cutlery. PS is cost-effective, versatile, and has a wide range of applications due to its ability to be easily molded and its overall durability.

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Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most important materials for the energy transition. It is used throughout multiple industries including aerospace and automotive. It is especially important for electric vehicles. 

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Steel

Steel is widely used and one of the most energy intensive materials. It is the focus of global decarbonization efforts due to it’s importance to numerous industries including construction, defense, automotive, aerospace, plkus many more.

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Copper

Copper is officially listed as one of the nations most critical minerals. We are working everyday to reduce the U.S.’s reliance on foreign countries for this vital resource.

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Cast Iron

Cast iron is import to multiple industries, including the heavy duty construction and agricultural industries.

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Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)

Platinum

Platinum is critical to the nation’s energy transition and is especially important to the highly-competitive electronics industry. 

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Palladium

Palladium is critical to the nation’s energy transition and is especially important to the highly-competitive electronics industry. 

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