Collaboration between LYVA Labs and Glass Futures Sparks Dialogue on Achieving Net Zero Goals in Liverpool’s Manufacturing Sector
In a dynamic collaboration, LYVA Labs and Glass Futures have united their expertise and resources to facilitate connections among businesses, academics, and funders within Liverpool City Region’s (LCR) advanced manufacturing sector. The “Innovation in Net Zero Event,” organized by LYVA Labs as part of Innovate UK’s Advanced Manufacturing Launchpad program, served as a catalyst for discussions on supporting the city region’s ambitious target to achieve net zero by 2040, a decade ahead of the UK goal.
Lorna Green, CEO of LYVA Labs, expressed enthusiasm about the broad representation from the advanced manufacturing sector at the event, hoping it spurred valuable collaborations. Inspirational stories shared during the event underscored the diverse and ambitious landscape of net zero innovation and partnerships flourishing in the region’s thriving advanced manufacturing sector.
Speakers at the event included Peter Liggett, Senior R&D Project Manager at St Helens-based Glass Futures, who highlighted the facility’s world-leading R&D testing and trials, focused on driving decarbonization in glass production. Rory Back, R&D Incubator Technical Manager at St Helens-based NSG Group, provided insights into producing low-carbon glass and developing products to facilitate net-zero buildings and transport. Patrick Fenner, Director and Head of Engineering at DefProc, discussed an award-winning net-zero partnership with Northern Gas Networks.
The panel discussion, moderated by Colin Tattam, Executive Director for Net Zero and Sustainable Industries at Innovate UK KTN, featured participants like Francis Wight, Investment Manager at LCR CA; Gary Adlen, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Carbon Happy World; Tom Johnston, Operations Director at Arete Zero Carbon; and Stephen Sykes, Managing Director at 2030hub. They explored LCR’s plans to achieve net zero earlier than other parts of the UK.
This event marked the second in a series designed to engage key figures in the advanced manufacturing sector, addressing challenges, opportunities, and overarching themes. LYVA Labs, established with a £10.5m investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, hosted the event at Glass Futures, reflecting the scope and ambition of LCR’s investment in innovation and manufacturing. Glass Futures, aided by a £9m grant from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and a £15m UKRI grant, stands as a pivotal hub for driving decarbonization in the region.
Peter Liggett, Glass Futures’ Senior R&D Project Manager, emphasized the event’s significance in supporting LYVA Labs’ mission and providing attendees with a firsthand look into the pioneering facilities contributing to decarbonization in St Helens.
LYVA Labs anticipates welcoming its Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Network to the next event, scheduled for early next year. Interested individuals can sign up for the Advanced Manufacturing LinkedIn site to receive updates on the date, theme, and venue.
Source: lyvalabs.com with additional information added by GlassBalkan
