RTI International Wins DOE Funding for Innovative Minerals and Cardboard Recycling Projects
On September 9, 2026, RTI International announced they received two significant awards from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) totaling $5.5 million. This funding is aimed at pioneering advancements in minerals processing and improving recycled cardboard technologies, with the ultimate goal of fostering innovative materials in the American industrial sector.
The projects will unfold at RTI’s cutting-edge facility, the RTI Pilot Xcelerator, designed to facilitate the transition of technologies from the laboratory to practical applications. Coinciding with the announcement, RTI will inaugurate a $14 million expansion of this facility on September 10, thus doubling the capabilities for pilot-scale testing of energy and industrial innovations.
Exploring New Mineral Uses
One principal project aims to convert natural minerals into essential materials for advanced manufacturing and energy production. Led by Dr. Sameer Parvathikar alongside partners from Gunnadoo Consulting LLC and Thar Energy LLC, the initiative focuses on transforming olivine—a commonly found mineral—into a variety of high-value outputs. This includes components crucial for steel production, hydrogen fuel, soil enhancement products, and materials used in construction. By advancing these technologies, the project aspires to bolster U.S. manufacturing supply chains, enhance industrial processes, and optimize the utilization of natural resources.
Revolutionizing Cardboard Recycling
The second project is set to tackle the recycling of cardboard boxes more efficiently. Dr. David Dayton, a Senior Fellow and Biofuels Director at RTI, will spearhead this initiative in collaboration with researchers from North Carolina State University’s Forest Biorefineries Department. Utilizing innovative anaerobic digestion technology, the collaboration aims to streamline cardboard recycling, with an objective to operate the enhanced process continuously for 100 days. The project aims to recycle at least 1,000 kg (approximately 2,200 lbs) of used cardboard, converting it into reusable fiber as well as producing biogas. Additionally, the efficiency of this novel recycling method will be compared to traditional processes, with an emphasis on improving yields and energy efficiency.
A Step Towards Industrial Strength
These projects are part of a broader DOE initiative to strengthen America's industrial base. Through these awards, RTI demonstrates a commitment to mitigating complex industrial challenges by innovating practical solutions. As stated by Dr. David Dausch, Vice President of Engineering and Advanced Technology at RTI, this funding enables the organization to examine strategies for recovering valuable products and gathering necessary performance data for larger-scale assessments.
The RTI Pilot Xcelerator platform, located at RTI’s headquarters in Research Triangle Park, serves as a valuable resource for experimentation with pilot-scale equipment, engineering know-how, scientific evaluation, and commercialization assistance for entities ranging from corporations to startups and government agencies.
About RTI International
RTI International prides itself on being an independent scientific research institution dedicated to bettering society through technical and science-based solutions. Committed to addressing the world’s most pressing issues, RTI collaborates with various clients to solve complex questions by applying a multidisciplinary approach that combines expertise in social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences along with engineering. For more insights, visit www.rti.org.
The projects will unfold at RTI’s cutting-edge facility, the RTI Pilot Xcelerator, designed to facilitate the transition of technologies from the laboratory to practical applications. Coinciding with the announcement, RTI will inaugurate a $14 million expansion of this facility on September 10, thus doubling the capabilities for pilot-scale testing of energy and industrial innovations.
Exploring New Mineral Uses
One principal project aims to convert natural minerals into essential materials for advanced manufacturing and energy production. Led by Dr. Sameer Parvathikar alongside partners from Gunnadoo Consulting LLC and Thar Energy LLC, the initiative focuses on transforming olivine—a commonly found mineral—into a variety of high-value outputs. This includes components crucial for steel production, hydrogen fuel, soil enhancement products, and materials used in construction. By advancing these technologies, the project aspires to bolster U.S. manufacturing supply chains, enhance industrial processes, and optimize the utilization of natural resources.
Revolutionizing Cardboard Recycling
The second project is set to tackle the recycling of cardboard boxes more efficiently. Dr. David Dayton, a Senior Fellow and Biofuels Director at RTI, will spearhead this initiative in collaboration with researchers from North Carolina State University’s Forest Biorefineries Department. Utilizing innovative anaerobic digestion technology, the collaboration aims to streamline cardboard recycling, with an objective to operate the enhanced process continuously for 100 days. The project aims to recycle at least 1,000 kg (approximately 2,200 lbs) of used cardboard, converting it into reusable fiber as well as producing biogas. Additionally, the efficiency of this novel recycling method will be compared to traditional processes, with an emphasis on improving yields and energy efficiency.
A Step Towards Industrial Strength
These projects are part of a broader DOE initiative to strengthen America's industrial base. Through these awards, RTI demonstrates a commitment to mitigating complex industrial challenges by innovating practical solutions. As stated by Dr. David Dausch, Vice President of Engineering and Advanced Technology at RTI, this funding enables the organization to examine strategies for recovering valuable products and gathering necessary performance data for larger-scale assessments.
The RTI Pilot Xcelerator platform, located at RTI’s headquarters in Research Triangle Park, serves as a valuable resource for experimentation with pilot-scale equipment, engineering know-how, scientific evaluation, and commercialization assistance for entities ranging from corporations to startups and government agencies.
About RTI International
RTI International prides itself on being an independent scientific research institution dedicated to bettering society through technical and science-based solutions. Committed to addressing the world’s most pressing issues, RTI collaborates with various clients to solve complex questions by applying a multidisciplinary approach that combines expertise in social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences along with engineering. For more insights, visit www.rti.org.
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