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TRANSFORMING A CIRCULAR ECONOMY THROUGH MANUFACTURING NESMF 2022
Annual Conference - #NESMF22
On June 28th 2022, The North East of Scotland Manufacturing Forum hosted its first Annual Conference Event “Transforming a Circular Economy through Manufacturing” at The National Subsea Centre in Aberdeen.
The conference brought together SME’s, funders, government policy makers and even start-ups from the regional manufacturing sector. The event discussed different topics ranging from Manufacturing for the Renewable Energies, Circular Design for Manufacturing, to Opportunities, Support and Funding for the sector. To start the day off we had our very own James Njuguna to kick off the event, to introduce the forum and the North East of Scotland Manufacturing sector with some very insightful statistics about the future potential within the sector.
To kick off the first topic of Manufacturing and Remanufacturing for the Renewable Energies we had Robert Gordon University’s Prof Nadimul Faisal. This talk sparked some very engaging discussions around the manufacturing for the low carbon hydrogen economy, scarcity of materials and the sheer number of hydrogen electrolysers we are going to need manufactured in the very near future. Khurram Qadir from Cygnas Solutions Limited followed on the discussion around hydrogen, introducing repurposing subsea pipeline bundles for the use of hydrogen for storage and transportation. This provided a very positive outlook on the alternatives to standard decommissioning practices in the oil and gas industry.
The second session ‘Circular Design for Manufacturing’ was chaired by Terri Vogt from Connect3 Consultants, introducing the importance of a circular economy within the manufacturing industry. Ellen Delph from KR Group presented a very insightful discussion on circular economic solutions to composite cladding panel waste, with Nicola Fraser (KR Group) to answer technical questions on how the future of composite cladding will develop. Giovanna Bermano from Robert Gordon University School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences was up next to highlight the importance and opportunities of Valorisation of By-Products from the Food & Drink Manufacturing Industry. Finally for this session, Ian Skene from Recycl8 discussed the newly developed method of Recycling Incinerator Bottom Ash to Low Carbon Concrete. During the networking lunch we had the opportunity to welcome some robots from Robert Gordon University’s School of Engineering.
The final session of the day talking all things opportunities, support and funding for the sector. Patrick McCarthy from CeeD (Centre for Engineering Education & Development) talking about the importance of the connected network in the industry. Moira Frosyth from Scottish Enterprise opened everyone’s eyes to the possibilities and potential in the bike manufacturing supply chain opportunities in Scotland. Gregor Cranstoun introduced the Manufacturing Skills Academy and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, showcasing the courses and training available to upskill and reskill during the transition. Abdul Ahmad was also at the event to exhibit MSA during the networking lunch. Radhakrishna Prabhu from Robert Gordon University School of Engineering introduced the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre Facilities in Edinburgh and the support it offers to SME’s. Finally, to close the day Gillian Hambley from Interface talked about the ways interface can help industry and academia develop projects and technology throughout the industry.
The North East of Scotland Manufacturing Forum would like to thank everyone who presented and attended the event. It was great to have everyone involved in our first annual conference. Next year we will be holding the event on June 20th, 2023. In the meantime, you can find monthly webinars on our website.
Thanks again to The National Subsea Centre and the entire team for hosting and supporting the event.
#NESMF22
Medical Device Manufacturing Centre Facilities in Edinburgh
Radhakrishna Prabhu, Robert Gordon University School of Engineering
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