BPF Associate Members: Universities

The University Network launched in 2024 to support and foster collaborative initiatives to enhance the evolution of plastics research and innovation throughout the UK. The UK is a hub of innovative excellence, with outstanding capabilities in the field of polymers research withinin a range of diverse research areas ranging from artificial intelligence, design, novel materials, green chemistry, polymer processing, advanced recycling and much more.

The group provides a platform for industry and academia to work together to support research projects, share findings of compelling research, and put the industry at the forefront of a sustainable future for plastics.

The BPF also aims to help connect our Universities with placement students - learn how student placements can drive your business forward here. The network exists for Universities with an active polymer research group.

Benefits For Universities in Membership:

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Members Directory

The BPF Members Directory 2024/2025 features a detailed breakdown of universities capabilities including polymer courses, in-house testing facilities, and research specialisms - as of Spring 2024.

	AMRC Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, University of Sheffield. A world leader in manufacturing excellence, part of the national High Value Manufacturing Catapult network of research centres.
	Arts University Bournemouth hosts the PlastIC Innovation + Curration Research Centre. PlastIC blends design history with innovation to advance plastics preservation, curation, and sustainable manufacturing.
	Aston University has a strong track record of developing technological innovations on polymers and biopolymers, including sustainable chemical and thermal recycling methods. We help businesses to develop their products, new technologies, and circular economy approaches for sustainable plastics product design, production, commercialisation, consumption, and recovery of used plastics materials.
	Birmingham City University (BCU) is a large and diverse university set in the heart of Birmingham with a focus on practice-based learning.
	Brunel University London (BUL) is a dynamic institution, offering a broad skill set in developing and delivering collaborative research and development projects and consultancy with industry. Amongst its key research areas are: inorganic and organic materials chemistry and integration into polymeric materials, polymer processing, design of sustainable solutions for applications ranging from packaging to automotive and horticulture, and a novel systems-based lifecycle sustainability assessment tool for strategic decision-making.
	Leeds Beckett University. The Retail Institute. Retail consultancy leading the consumer experiences of the future in retail, food and packaging.
	Loughborough University provide expertise and world-leading researchers to realise your business goals – supporting growth, innovation, skills development and sustainability. Some partnership schemes are free or funded.
	Manchester Metropolitan University One of the UK’s largest and most popular universities, based in the heart of Manchester. Our campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and innovative teaching, combined with outstanding research and award-winning degree apprenticeships that help students thrive in their careers.
	Polymer IRC University of Bradford offers a range of polymer-related R&D and training activities for the plastics industry.
	Queen's University Belfast provides research in various aspects of polymers, including consultancy, process design and assessment, process troubleshooting, analytical services, co-development partnerships, education and training.
	Sheffield Hallam University As one of the UK’s largest and most progressive universities, our teaching, research and partnerships are characterised by a focus on real world impact - addressing the health, economic and social challenges facing society today.
	Swansea University - Astute Centre of Excellence collaborate with businesses in the manufacturing industry to boost productivity and growth by applying advanced engineering technologies to complex manufacturing challenges.
	The University of Manchester provide Research for your business, Knowledge exchange, Consultancy, Commercialisation, Continuing professional development.
	The University of Nottingham works with academics and external partners to deliver research impact and to create new commercial opportunities, engages with businesses to deliver services, develops strategic partnerships with key corporate businesses, supports access to collaborative R&D funding, including Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Innovate UK.
	University of Birmingham (Plastics Network). We are an interdisciplinary team of over 40 researchers, working together to shape the fate and sustainable future of plastics.
	University of Central Lancashire The University of Central Lancashire is the international, multi-campus university tracing its roots back to 1828 and leading the way in modern learning today.
	University College London hosts the Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including scientists, engineers, designers, and social scientists, taking a design-led approach to the issues of plastic waste.
	University of Hull. School of Natural Sciences - Chemistry. University of Hull have a track record of supporting the growth and innovation of businesses and the regional economy, working with businesses across all sectors and sizes. We'll help you develop your ideas, grow your business and connect with like-minded organisations and research experts.
	University of Leicester At the heart of the UK, Leicester is a leading university committed to international excellence, world-changing research and high quality inspirational teaching. Founded in 1921, the University of Leicester has been providing world-class education and cutting-edge research for over a century.
	University of Plymouth provides education and research facilities for the polymer industry.
	The Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth undertakes inclusive, solutions-focused research and innovation to support the transition to a sustainable plastics future.
	University of Sheffield. A world-class university – a unique student experience. Sheffield is a research university in the Russell Group with a global reputation for excellence.
	WMG Warwick University helps manufacturing SMEs to develop new products and materials, test and recycle materials, and make manufacturing smarter and more efficient.
	University of York - Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) is a world-leading academic facility for pioneering pure and applied green and sustainable chemical research, providing innovative solutions for a circular economy, specialising in renewable feedstocks, green synthesis, sustainable technologies and design for sustainable reuse/degradation/recovery.