Companies pioneer ’materials as a service’ using techniques created at Imperial

Innovative material suppliers are looking to retain ownership over the metals and chemicals they supply as a new sustainable business model takes off. Under the proposed model, companies that supply raw materials and semi-finished parts such as metal panels no longer sell these to manufacturers but offer manufacturers temporary access to them. They recover the materials once the products reach the end of their lives. The model, known as 'materials as a service', is under development by innovative businesses and academics and has been attracting growing interest since we reported on it an Imperial Stories feature last year. What Marco calls 'materials as a service' just made sense to us," says Mr Seville. It's what we've been working on but we didn't realise anyone else saw it that way. Tony Seville Aircraft Interior Recycling Association (AIRA) - In addition to providing a new business opportunity for suppliers of materials and parts, it could also incentivise sustainable design choices.