RTI International Secures $5.5M in DOE Grants for Minerals and Cardboard Recycling Tech
Event summary
- RTI International received $5.5 million in DOE grants for two new projects focused on minerals processing and cardboard recycling.
- The projects will be conducted at the expanded RTI Pilot Xcelerator, which doubles the institute's infrastructure for pilot-scale testing.
- One project aims to convert olivine into high-value materials for steelmaking, hydrogen fuel, and construction.
- The second project will use anaerobic digestion to recycle cardboard into reusable fiber and biogas.
- RTI is scheduled to celebrate the opening of a $14 million facility expansion on September 10, 2026.
The big picture
These awards align with the DOE's initiative to strengthen U.S. industrial sectors by lowering production costs and enhancing domestic supply chains. RTI's expanded Pilot Xcelerator positions it as a key player in bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world industrial applications. The focus on recycling and minerals processing reflects broader trends toward sustainability and resource efficiency in manufacturing.
What we're watching
- Technology Scalability
- Whether RTI can successfully scale these technologies from pilot to commercial applications.
- Industry Adoption
- The pace at which manufacturing and energy sectors adopt these new recycling and processing methods.
- Regulatory Impact
- How DOE's broader initiative to strengthen U.S. industrial sectors may influence future funding opportunities.