10180412Feasibility of Closed-Loop Bio-Based Recycling for Defence-Grade Equipment CasesClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKUAVTEK is exploring a new way to recycle waste from its 3D printing operations into sustainable, military-grade equipment cases. The project will investigate whether a bio-based material called PA11 --- made from castor plants --- can be reprocessed from production waste into new, high-performance components that meet military durability standards. By testing methods to grind, pelletise and re-mould the waste into strong, weather-resistant parts, UAVTEK aims to create a circular manufacturing process that drastically reduces material waste and carbon emissions. If successful, this approach will demonstrate that advanced bio-sourced materials can replace traditional petroleum-based plastics in demanding defence applications. The results could help the Ministry of Defence and wider UK manufacturing sector adopt greener, more resource-efficient production methods.