Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub
*2023 Tech Hubs Designee and Strategy Development Grant Recipient
Lead Agency: Greater Akron Chamber
State Served: Ohio
Applicant-Defined Region: Akron MSA
Core Technology Area: sustainable polymers
Contact: Brian Anderson (banderson@greaterakronchamber.org)
The Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, led by the Greater Akron Chamber, aims to tackle the severe climate and environmental impacts resulting from the use of fossil fuel-derived polymers (rubbers and plastics) through accelerating sustainable polymer manufacturing and commercialization in the United States. Polymers have played an important role in American innovation ranging from the development of medical devices to our nation’s infrastructure; however, their production has resulted in challenges like greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution. This Tech Hub is seeking to leverage its regional assets – such as the largest concentration of plastics and rubber manufacturing plants, machines, and materials in North America – as well as regional partnerships in research and development and an inclusive regional workforce, to establish global leadership in sustainable plastic and rubber technology that has reduced emissions and is recyclable, biodegradable, and non-toxic.
Designee Narrative (PDF)