Institute for Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics
Stored: Institute for Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics
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Institute for Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics (iCOUP) is an Energy Frontier Research Center led by Ames Laboratory, focusing on the scientific and technological challenges of converting used plastics into valuable materials and chemicals.
iCOUP's work is central to developing sustainable solutions for plastic waste management through upcycling.
Mission
iCOUP's mission is to advance the science of plastic upcycling by developing new catalysts and methods that transform discarded plastics into high-value products. This research not only aims to tackle the global challenge of plastic waste but also seeks to create economic incentives for recycling by producing materials that are either as good as or better than those made from virgin resources"About iCOUP". Ames Laboratory. https://icoup.ameslab.gov/about..
Parent organization
iCOUP is under the management of Ames Laboratory, which is operated by Iowa State University for the U.S. Department of Energy. This setup positions iCOUP within a network of DOE-funded research centers focused on energy and environmental issues.
Legislation
iCOUP was established through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, as part of the Energy Frontier Research Centers initiative, without specific legislative action.
Partners
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Cornell University
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- Northwestern University
- University of South Carolina
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, among others for collaborative research"Partners". Ames Laboratory. https://icoup.ameslab.gov/partners.
Number of employees
Exact employee numbers are not specified, but iCOUP involves a collaborative team of scientists from various institutions.
Organization structure
iCOUP operates with:
- **Research Groups**: Focusing on catalyst development, polymer science, and chemical recycling processes.
- **Collaborative Projects**: Integrating expertise from partner institutions.
Leader
iCOUP is led by a [Director].
Divisions
- Catalyst Development - Polymer Deconstruction and Reconstruction - Sustainability and Economic Analysis"Research". Ames Laboratory. https://icoup.ameslab.gov/research.
List of programs
- Development of catalysts for plastic conversion
- Research on chemical recycling methods
- Integration of upcycling with sustainability studies
Last total enacted budget
iCOUP received $15.1 million for the period from 2020 to 2024 from the U.S. Department of Energy"iCOUP at Ames Laboratory Receives $15.1 Million in Renewed Funding". Ames Laboratory. https://www.ameslab.gov/news/institute-cooperative-upcycling-plastics-ames-laboratory-receives-151-million-renewed-funding..
Staff
iCOUP involves researchers, postdoctoral associates, and students from Ames Laboratory and its partner institutions.
Funding
Funding for iCOUP comes from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, aimed at supporting research into sustainable solutions for plastic waste.
Services provided
iCOUP provides research services focused on developing new catalysts, understanding polymer degradation, and creating methods to convert plastics into valuable chemicals and materials, promoting a circular economy.
Regulations overseen
iCOUP does not oversee regulations but contributes to the scientific knowledge that could inform future policies on plastic waste management.
Headquarters address
2415 Pammel Dr, Ames, IA 50011
History
iCOUP was established to address the growing issue of plastic waste by leveraging scientific research to convert plastics into something more valuable. Since its inception, it has made strides in catalyst technology and understanding the chemistry of plastic upcycling.