University of Birmingham (www.birmingham.ac.uk) spin-out PeroCycle Ltd. (Cambridge, U.K.; www.perocycle.com) has announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Glass Futures Ltd to develop a scaling platform for technology that could cut carbon emissions from foundational industries, including steelmaking, by up to 90%.
The strategic partnership marks a significant step forward for PeroCycle, by providing real-world conditions where the company can test, refine and improve performance of its closed loop carbon recycling technology. This uses a perovskite catalyst to split carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO) at significantly lower temperatures than traditional methods, and recycles CO gas back into industrial processes, where it is a valuable feedstock.
Performance of the catalyst has already been validated in the laboratory. This next step is critical to optimize performance, and provide the confidence and reassurance necessary for industry adoption.
Grant Budge, CEO of PeroCycle, said: “The lab-based prototype demonstrated performance in optimal conditions. We now need to validate both the catalyst and the reactor in high temperature, industrial conditions, and Glass Futures can provide the clean and varied gas supply that is needed for this. We will also be benchmarking and reviewing formulation and structure of the catalyst, which can be produced on-site using Glass Futures’ material blending and furnace facilities.”
PeroCycle will be working with industrial research and technology organization Glass Futures to establish systems that scale catalyst manufacturing from the laboratory to pilot-scale operations and testing the two-tonne pilot reactor throughout 2027.
Justin Kelly, CEO at Glass Futures, added: “Glass Futures helps innovative companies move from laboratory success to industrial-scale deployment. By supporting the demonstration of technologies that convert waste streams into usable fuels, we’re helping drive decarbonization not only in glass, but across a range of energy-intensive materials sectors. PeroCycle’s technology is ready for the next stage of development, and our unique facilities, technical expertise and pilot-scale infrastructure will help accelerate that journey.”
David Coleman, CEO of University of Birmingham Enterprise said: “This partnership represents an important step in PeroCycle’s journey from promising laboratory research towards industrial deployment. Access to Glass Futures’ facilities and expertise will enable the team to test and refine the technology under real-world operating conditions, helping build the evidence needed for future commercial adoption.”
PeroCycle was recently awarded a place on the 2026 Cleantech 50 to Watch list, a global listing recognizing groundbreaking innovation that creates solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.