Research

Turning waste into useful materials 

Queen Mary researchers are exploring how waste materials can be used in new ways. In 2024, researchers from the School of Engineering and Materials Science showcased work on sustainable battery technologies made from waste materials, including plastic packaging, food waste and used tyres. 

This includes work with The Tyre Collective, looking at whether particles collected from tyre wear can be used in batteries and pressure sensors. Tyre-wear particles can enter soil and waterways, so finding new uses for this material can help reduce pollution and keep resources in use for longer. 

Understanding why households waste food 

Research led by Dr Sayed Elhoushy looks at reducing household food waste and the practical reasons why some waste-reduction measures work better than others. 

The research shows that food waste is affected by more than individual behaviour. Housing, packaging, retail practices, local services and everyday routines all influence how people buy, store, share and dispose of food. The work has informed recommendations for local authorities, housing associations, retailers and community organisations, with a focus on practical solutions that work in real communities. 

Designing products for a circular economy 

Queen Mary researchers are also looking at how products can be designed so they are easier to reuse and recycle. A 2025 study on sustainability in eco-conscious trainer brands examined the materials, manufacturing, distribution, end-of-life recovery and eco-design approaches used by 13 footwear brands. The research found that sustainable materials were widely used, but eco-design received much less attention. It highlights the need to think about the whole life of a product at the design stage, including what happens to its materials once the product is no longer used.