PeroCycle announces pilot reactor based in St Helens, Merseyside
A strategic partnership with Glass Futures Ltd will culminate in a two-tonne pilot reactor, operational in real-world conditions
Glass Futures plant in St Helens, Merseyside. PeroCycle will work with Glass Futures on systems that scale catalyst manufacturing from the laboratory to pilot-scale operations, and testing the two-tonne pilot reactor throughout 2027
University of Birmingham spin-out PeroCycle 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.
This partnership represents an important step in PeroCycle's journey from promising laboratory research towards industrial deployment.
Performance of the catalyst has already been validated in the laboratory. This next step is critical to optimise 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 organisation 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 decarbonisation 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.”
Recognition awarded to PeroCycle
PeroCycle was recently awarded a place on the 2026 Cleantech 50 to Watch list, a global listing recognising groundbreaking innovation that creates solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
While this annual listing usually highlights early-stage companies tackling AI era power demand, critical mineral supply, and extreme heat resilience, this year its remit has extended to include other sectors. PeroCycle is one of only three companies honoured for its contribution to heavy industry decarbonisation – and it is also the only British company in this category.
Grant Budge, CEO of PeroCycle, will be speaking at the Cleantech Forum Europe Innovation Showcase in Barcelona, Spain, on November 18th.
Notes for editors
Notes for editors
For media information contact Ruth Ashton, University of Birmingham Enterprise, email: r.c.ashton@bham.ac.uk
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About PeroCycle:
PeroCycle is a UK-based industrial technology company spun out from the University of Birmingham. It specializes in advanced carbon recycling solutions, particularly for the steel and foundation industries. By employing proprietary perovskite-based catalysts, PeroCycle enables a closed-loop system that transforms from a waste product into a valuable resource, facilitating a rapid and cost-effective transition
About Glass Futures Ltd
Glass Futures Ltd is a non-profit research and technology organisation operating global innovation facilities in St Helens, Merseyside. Glass Futures brings together industry, academia, and government to bridge the gap between bench-scale R&D and commercial deployment across foundation industries.