Research

Funded Research Projects

Can We Help You?

We support a broad spectrum of business sizes, from advising Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on production & product development issues to working with Large International Businesses and Universities in developing new materials and processes.

How can we help?

In addition to a wide range of technical capabilities in the Polymer Research field, we offer access to public funding to vastly reduce the costs and risks of new product development.
All types of organisation can benefit by collaborating with Smithers Rapra in European-funded research initiatives via the EC Framework Programmes or National and Local government schemes.

Benefits

• Add value to existing products by developing new features and functionality.
• Access to world-wide technical expertise through Smithers Rapra network of partners.
• Access to public funding, while keeping control of the intellectual property created. 

Access to funding

Our team of experts will assess your idea.
We have an experienced dedicated team to ensure we can support your project through the initial maze of funding options.
We can prepare and write your submission proposal in a style and format most likely to receive a positive response.

Ongoing Support

Smithers Rapra have the experience and contacts to assemble a consortium of complementary technical partners to develop your ideas.
We can manage your project through to completion with our experienced and dedicated team.
The intellectual property developed will usually remain the property of your organisation.

Research areas include:

• New material developments
• Energy reduction & optimisation
• The development of new production and recycling processes

Sectors supported include:

• Polymer processing
• Rubber
• Natural fibres and novel materials
• Automotive
• Food
• Medical
• Composites

Smithers Rapra in-house capabilities

Smithers Rapra have developed a wide range of capabilities in the Polymer Research field and are recognised as experts in all areas, including:

• Materials selection  & application support
• Product design & development
• Manufacturing process assessment and development
• Prototyping & small scale/specialist production
• Engineering & tooling
• Fault & failure diagnosis
• Material and product testing & analysis.

Further details on the specific projects Smithers Rapra has been involved in can be found in the Smithers Rapra Research Projects  brochure – please click here to download this publication.