REMADE Institute

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Overview

The REMADE Institute, or "Reducing Embodied Energy and Decreasing Emissions," is a national initiative focused on developing innovative technologies to advance the United States' transition to a Circular Economy. Founded in 2017, this public-private partnership collaborates with industry, academia, national labs, and trade organizations. Partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, with an initial investment of $140 million, the institute is headquartered in Rochester, New York. It has played a pivotal role in early-stage research and development projects aimed at reducing embodied energy and emissions across industrial scales.

Recent Developments

  • December 2024: REMADE announced the opening of the 2025 Circular Economy Technology Conference registration and extended the Call for Papers deadline for its upcoming event in April 2025. The institute also plans workforce training initiatives in partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology and others.
  • October 2024: REMADE released $19.6 million for new technological research projects that align with its mission to enhance the circular economy transition.
  • April 2024: REMADE Institute organized the 2024 Circular Economy Technology Summit in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The event showcased cutting-edge innovations and featured presentations on various research projects.
  • February 2024: REMADE received the prestigious 2024 Design for Recycling® Award at an ISRI convention in Las Vegas. The award acknowledges the institute’s significant contributions to research and innovation geared towards sustainable manufacturing practices.
  • October 2023: REMADE announced 12 new projects focused on improving U.S. manufacturing's global competitiveness through sustainable practices.
  • March 2023: REMADE shifted its annual conference to Washington, D.C., drawing over 300 attendees and presenting 60 peer-reviewed papers.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2017
HeadquartersRochester, New York, USA
FoundersPartnership involving U.S. Department of Energy and others
RevenueNot publicly disclosed
ProfitsNot applicable as a non-profit initiative
Key InvestorsU.S. Department of Energy
IndustryCircular Economy, Advanced Manufacturing
Number of EmployeesNot specified

Early History

The REMADE Institute was established in 2017 under the Manufacturing USA initiative, a network of public-private partnerships in the U.S., with the primary goal of mitigating the environmental impact of industrial manufacturing processes. With an initial investment of $140 million supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, REMADE set out to foster technological innovations that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. It began by bringing together a coalition of industry leaders, academics, and national laboratories to focus on sustainable manufacturing and recycling technologies. The institute's early projects concentrated on improving material efficiency and promoting a shift from a linear to a circular economy.

Company Profile and Achievements

REMADE functions as a collaborative platform for government agencies, academia, and private industry, all working towards sustainable manufacturing solutions. Major achievements include:

  • R&D Initiatives: Over $100 million invested in 100+ projects that advance the circular economy, focusing on areas like plastics recycling, remanufacturing technologies, and textile recycling.
  • Annual Conferences: Hosting forums that attract global thought leaders to promote discussions on circular design, digital remanufacturing, and other circular economy facets.
  • Workforce Development: Forming partnerships to enhance skills relevant to the circular economy, addressing knowledge gaps, and ensuring readiness for industry changes.
  • Notable Awards: Recognition like the 2024 Design for Recycling® Award for contributions to sustainable product design and recycling technologies.

Current Operations and Market Position

Currently, the REMADE Institute is pivotal in the U.S.'s circular economy landscape, providing a national platform for applied research in sustainable technologies. It plays a crucial role in reducing the production costs associated with innovative recycling processes and contributes to decarbonizing U.S. industries. Though directly aimed at boosting U.S. competitiveness, its initiatives have a global impact in shaping sustainable manufacturing practices.

Conclusion

REMADE's ongoing efforts underscore its central role in transforming manufacturing practices towards sustainability in the U.S. and beyond. By fostering innovation and collaboration across various sectors, the institute strengthens the supply chain's resilience and contributes significantly to the national goals of achieving net-zero emissions. With continuous support from governmental and private sectors, REMADE is well-positioned to lead future advancements in the circular economy and demonstrate global leadership in sustainable industrial practices.

References

  1. REMADE Institute
  2. Rochester Institute of Technology Newsroom
  3. PRNewswire
  4. Indo-Asian News Service
  5. ISRI Recognition Article
  6. Recycling Today
  7. REMA News
  8. Manufacturing USA
  9. Remade Institute News
  10. Waste360 Article