Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) will collaborate with the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), USA, on research projects, facilitate graduate students exchanges and organize joint academic meetings, symposia to advance the development of sustainable manufacturing technologies.
The 2-year collaboration will build on the collective and complementary research capabilities in sustainable manufacturing technologies in SIMTech, and expertise in the areas of sustainable development and design combining real world experience with a strong academic and research background in GIS. Specific research collaboration areas include joint R&D in sustainable manufacturing technologies, renewable energy and fuel cells, clean production process technologies, clean technologies, reverse logistics and green supply chains, intelligent testing and diagnostics and sustainable design for remanufacturing.
"SIMTech has assisted many local enterprises to break new grounds and secure global markets using sustainable manufacturing technologies. This collaboration will enable us to help local enterprises migrate to a higher plane in the field of sustainable manufacturing technologies, critical in today's dynamic manufacturing environment and for economic as well as societal benefits," said Dr Lim Ser Yong, Executive Director of SIMTech.
Technology advancements in sustainable manufacturing technologies are aligned to Singapore's long-term R&D thrusts to grow the clean energy and environment industries. SIMTech assisted Nanyang Optical, a local eyewear manufacturer and retailer, to assess the life cycle of its business operations and to identify potential areas for improving sustainability. This has led to the feasibility of cutting recycled pellets made from industrial polymer waste into fashionable eyewear frames.
SIMTech also assisted Grenidea Technologies, a sustainable material company to develop food packaging employing sustainable manufacturing. Using life cycle engineering techniques, SIMTech assessed Grenideas product life cycle and successfully improve the product development lead time and reduce manufacturing costs. The result is more cost-efficient biodegradable food packaging made from agricultural waste and empty fruit brunch of oil palms that can be designed into different shapes, sizes and degradation periods.
