RFAs: Sustainable Feedstock Solutions for Specialty Vacuum Grease Production (UK)

The focus is on finding scalable, sustainable, and technically viable raw materials that can replace fossil-derived inputs in the Apiezon product range. The aim is to identify alternative feedstocks capable of delivering the high-performance characteristics required for grease in vacuum applications, focusing on vapour pressure, low outgassing, and low toxicity with current manufacturing processes. Improving efficiency is also a key opportunity, as the current process leaves a significant proportion of material unused.

The challenge addresses the transition from fossil-derived hydrocarbons traditionally used in the production of speciality vacuum greases and oils, driven by regulatory pressure, supply chain volatility, and strong market demand for sustainable alternatives. M&I Materials seeks feedstocks that maintain favourable molecular structure, thermal stability, and vacuum performance. Possible feedstock solutions may originate from fractions of a Fischer-Tropsch process between oils and waxes, materials produced after converting recycled plastics into hydrocarbon oils or waxes, any source of complex mixtures of long-chain hydrocarbons in a semi-solid state upon manufacturing, and bio-based feedstocks or wastes including oils.

Entrants to this competition may include established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs that are UK-based or intend to set up a UK base. Proposed solutions must provide materials in a minimum 20 kg quantity for processing trials, with future scalability to tonne-scale production. The feedstock should have a constitution similar to petroleum jelly, be semi-solid or oil-compatible under ambient conditions, possess low toxicity, and be free from impurities such as moisture and sulphur compounds.

For more information, visit Innovate UK Business Connect.