Babcock and Uplift360 launch Typhoon recycling partnership

Babcock International Group has signed a contract with Uplift360 to explore how parts of a Typhoon aircraft can be broken down and repurposed, marking a step toward embedding greater sustainability in the defence sector.

The collaboration will examine how composite materials from a Typhoon can be recycled and reused, with the potential to apply the process across other platforms. Both companies describe the initiative as part of a push to reduce waste, strengthen supply chains and support the long-term resilience of UK defence.

Chloe Barker, Managing Director for Babcock’s UK Aviation business, said: “By combining our operational experience with Uplift360’s specialist expertise, we’re working together to support our customers’ sustainability ambitions. This partnership is focused on delivering practical solutions that contribute to more efficient use of resources and strengthen the long-term resilience of UK defence supply chains.”

She added: “This collaboration is a great example of how we can work side by side with small and medium enterprises to deliver meaningful change.”

Sam Staincliffe, Co-founder and CEO of Uplift360, said: “We are delighted to have signed this partnering agreement with Babcock, demonstrating the leading role that Uplift360 can play in the recycling of advanced materials from the defence industry. As we create more advanced materials, the waste challenge increases. Uplift360 offers a truly circular option to reuse them sustainably.”

Babcock, a FTSE 100 defence group, operates across the UK, Canada, Australasia, France and South Africa. Uplift360, founded in 2021 with support from the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator, develops chemical recycling technologies for high-performance materials such as carbon fibre and aramid, with operations now extended to Luxembourg.