Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

PlantSea Ltd.

The Knowledge Transfer Voucher Project with PlantSea Ltd., led by Dr Jixin Yang, was successfully completed in April 2025, delivering valuable insights into sustainable material innovation. Through this collaboration, the team conducted a systematic analysis of the composition and the physical and chemical properties of seaweed extracts. This in-depth understanding has informed their potential as viable substitutes for conventional plastics. The findings directly support the development of functional, seaweed-based materials that offer both environmental and commercial advantages. Building on this success, the project has laid the groundwork for a Welsh Government SMART Partnership-funded initiative, set to begin in September 2025, to accelerate the creation of next-generation, sustainable plastic alternatives

Fanci Ltd.

The Knowledge Transfer Voucher Project with Fanci Ltd., led by Dr Jixin Yang, reached a successful conclusion in March 2025, delivering significant advances in material selection for high-performance sanitary absorbent mats. Through this industrial collaboration, a range of candidate materials was carefully selected, processed, and rigorously tested. The research provided clear evidence to guide the choice of the most suitable materials for large-scale production.

Detailed investigations into water absorption, desorption, colour fastness, and stain removal—carried out under simulated real-world conditions—demonstrated the exceptional performance potential of the chosen materials. These outcomes position Fanci Ltd. to accelerate the commercial development of next-generation sanitary absorbent mats with superior functionality and durability.