Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub

The Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, led by the Greater Akron Chamber, addresses the significant environmental and climate challenges posed by conventional fossil fuel-derived polymers. These challenges include high greenhouse gas emissions and persistent plastic pollution. By leveraging the region’s extensive plastics and rubber manufacturing infrastructure alongside cutting-edge R&D partnerships, the Tech Hub aims to lead the transition to sustainable polymer technologies. With $51 million in EDA funding, it will focus on advancing global decarbonization and equitable growth through initiatives such as developing bio-based butadiene, enhancing carbon nanotube products, and scaling recycling processes for end-of-life tires. The Hub is dedicated to fostering community engagement and ensuring that equity-focused strategies are integral to its operations.

• 1,800,000 tons of annual CO2 reduction anticipated (equivalent to removing nearly 1 million cars from the road).
• $1.8B in direct private investment catalyzed over the next decade.
• 6,351 jobs created or retained, with potential additional impacts from workforce development and new projects.