Introduction

This event examined the complex challenges and opportunities faced by industry in the energy and consumer product sectors that rely on scarce natural resources to manufacture their products. There were talks from Rolls Royce, Chemistry Innovation Knowledge Transfer Network and the Technology Strategy Board who set the scene before delegates were asked to break out into sessions to discuss where the UK sits in this vast area of research and development to alleviate strain from this challenge. Participants included representatives from industry, academia, Government institutions, and professional bodies.

One of the RSC's top ten 'Chemistry for Tomorrow's World' challenges is concerned with the conservation of scarce natural resources. With decreasing world supplies of elemental resources, this is now becoming potentially a more pressing concern than the decreasing supply of oil. Most natural resources used in production are non-renewable and therefore unavailable for future use.

Europe and the UK are relatively poor in critical materials and so have resorted to importing such supplies from other parts of the world. As global demand of strategic elements increases, the UK is likely to become vulnerable to shortfalls in supply. Thus identification of new and emerging technologies, which will reduce the reliance on materials from abroad is vital.

Aims

This event examined the complex challenges and opportunities faced by industry in the energy and consumer product sectors that rely on scarce natural resources to manufacture their products.

The event predominantly focused on technological advancements, with the opportunity for technology providers to take the floor for 5 minutes to discuss how their institution is leading the way in future developments.

There was the opportunity to

• learn about the Technology Strategy Board's recent call for funding collaborative R&D in resource efficiency
• hear about technological developments in Europe and input into the European agenda for scarce natural resources
• find out other ways that you and your business can get involved with future projects.            

There was a series of keynote presentations from leaders in the field, funding organisations and technology transfer networks, followed by open discussion and networking to explore these strengths and weaknesses further.

Why should you attend

• Understand the economic and technological implications of material scarcity through case studies from companies in energy and consumer products
• Receive advice on funding applications from Materials Security SIG
• Network with experts from industry and academia  

Co-sponsors

Industry and Technology Division

Materials Security Special Interest Group (SIG) is funded by the Technology Strategy Board to enhance the UK's capability to operate across its networks and is led by Chemistry Innovation, Environmental Sustainability and Materials Knowledge Transfer Networks.