It is now well-known that what has traditionally been considered “waste” is actually a greatly underutilised resource. For example, wastewater, while unfit for human consumption or agricultural use, is rich in valuable nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates. Similarly, electronic circuit boards contain significant quantities of valuable metals.

The successful valorisation of waste allows us to close the loop in the circular economy, moving closer to a sustainable future. The complexity of this challenge demands an interdisciplinary approach to finding solutions. Chemical engineers, with their focus on converting raw materials into high-value products, are at the forefront of this global initiative.

The Waste Valorisation group focuses on three main research areas:

• Conversion of waste tyres into high-value chemicals
• Processing of electronic waste for metal recovery (e.g., lithium, gold, copper)
• Utilisation of biological waste (e.g., wastewater, agricultural residues, fishery waste)