Aligned with ASI’s commitment to supporting the global transition toward net zero and sustainable aviation, the organisation has established a series of strategic partnerships with leading universities and research institutions. The most recent collaboration is with the ReMake Value Retention Centre (RVRC), a £10 million+ research initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Led by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and operated by the University of Strathclyde, RVRC brings together expertise from the University of Exeter and the University of Sheffield. This consortium is dedicated to advancing circular economy principles across high-integrity sectors.
In July 2025, ASI welcomed representatives from NMIS’s Lightweight Manufacturing Centre (LMC) for an in-depth exploration of the challenges associated with dismantling modern, composite-intensive aircraft. These insights are instrumental to LMC’s ongoing work within RVRC, which focuses on maximising the retention of product and material value.
The partnership between ASI and RVRC specifically addresses the pressing issue of recycling carbon composite materials—now widely used in airframe construction. Due to their durability and resistance to decomposition, these materials present significant end-of-life challenges. Together, ASI and RVRC aim to develop innovative, efficient, and environmentally responsible recycling solutions for composite-rich aircraft, reinforcing ASI’s leadership in sustainable aviation practices.