On 8 April 2025, the UNSW Library unveiled the Materials Revolution exhibition, a collaborative initiative with the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre that also showcases Hub research. This exhibition is central to the Hub’s mission to transform views of waste, reframing it not as a problem, but as a valuable resource. By showcasing pioneering technologies that repurpose end-of-life materials into new products, the exhibition invites visitors to rethink waste through the lens of innovation, circularity and sustainability.
Showcasing Science in Action
The exhibition highlights groundbreaking work in materials science and recycling, with displays featuring green ceramics made from waste glass and textiles as well as 3D printing filaments produced from e-waste plastics. These tangible examples of science in action demonstrate how waste can be reformed into useful, high-performance materials. This can divert tonnes of waste from landfill and reshape the manufacturing process.
You can also explore the exhibition online:
Library Exhibition: Materials Revolution
Exhibition Opening Highlights
The opening event celebrated the research and collaboration driving this transformation. It featured speakers including Professor Sven Rogge, Dean of UNSW Science, and James Lancaster, CEO of Renew IT. Lancaster spoke about the real-world application of SMaRT technologies, sharing that Renew IT’s filament machines are now diverting 4.2 tonnes of ABS plastic waste from landfill each month. Curated by Dr Megan R. Fizell, the exhibition guides visitors through a narrative of reinvention. It demonstrated the power of science and design to challenge perceptions and build sustainable futures.
Furthering SCaW Hub Objectives
The Materials Revolution exhibition aligns closely with the Hub’s objectives by:
- Educating the public about the potential for waste to be reimagined as a resource through science and innovation.
- Promoting sustainable practices that challenge linear consumption models and support a circular economy.
- Fostering collaboration across research, industry and community to drive impactful environmental outcomes.
By engaging audiences and showcasing practical solutions, the exhibition is helping to reshape community perceptions and build support for a more sustainable, resource-efficient future.
