Tiny manufacturers: How black soldier flies are turning food waste into valuable products

In a world where manufacturing typically conjures images of sprawling factories and complex machinery, a tiny six-legged workforce is quietly revolutionising production processes at Southern Cross University. Black soldier flies, the unassuming insects with appetites twice their body weight, are being harnessed as nature’s manufacturing plants to transform food waste into valuable resources, researchers revealed…

Australian researchers advance eco-friendly perovskite solar cell manufacturing

A Macquarie University-led project has achieved significant breakthroughs in developing industrially viable manufacturing methods for next-generation perovskite solar cells (PSCs), overcoming key barriers to commercial adoption. The research team, headed by Professor Shujuan Huang and Dr Jincheol Kim, in collaboration with UNSW’s Dr DJ Kim, developed solar cell technology that addresses critical industry challenges while…

Recycling facility transforms e-waste into 3D printing material

A new solution for Australia’s growing e-waste problem launched Friday with the opening of the UNSW-designed Plastics Filament MICROfactorie in Sydney. Electronic waste recycler Renew IT has incorporated this technology at its Lane Cove facility to transform hard plastics from discarded printers and computers into valuable filament for 3D manufacturing. Developed by the UNSW Centre…