Chris Holcroft

Chris overseas our energy and environment area and has worked in glass R&D since 2005. Prior to that, he developed products for the food industry. Chris co-ordinates a team of eight researchers at Glass Technology services and participates in a wide variety of projects ranging from desk-based research through to practical laboratory, pilot scale development, site trials and testing. He also regularly undertakes non-standard testing and consultancy work.

His background is in marine biology and environmental science but has wide-ranging interests from recycling and environmental improvement to novel uses of glass in biomedical applications, energy generation and photonics. Recent initiatives have included waste and energy minimisation projects for European Glass Manufacturers, the Horizon 2020 FISSAC Construction industry Industrial symbiosis project, and developing a manufacturing facility for novel biomedical and photonic glasses. 

Some of Chris' key contributions include: 

Controlled dissolution glass development 

One of Glass Technology Services core areas of expertise is the development of controlled dissolution glasses. These glasses are designed to deliver functional components to specific sites in controlled doses. This novel technology can be applied to the agriculture and aquaculture sector, biomedical sector, and environmental and water treatment industries to name a few. Chris has worked on a number of projects developing applications for these glasses in particular to identify processes and products that harness the antibacterial and nutrient release potential of these materials. 

Controlled dissolution glasses for strengthening and consolidation of rock

Chris has been developing controlled dissolution glasses for geological modification since 2010. He led the team which created and tested novel glass solutions to strengthen rock whilst either retaining significant permeability or forming a robust seal. Following successful third party laboratory testing, Chris played a key role in creating Glass Technology Services' spinout company VitriTech to develop the manufacturing process to enable large scale field trials of the material and subsequent commercialisation of the product. Chris holds the position of Technical Director on the board and continues to lead Glass Technology Services research efforts in this area to identify new applications of the technology. 

This area of research has application in oil and gas well strengthening and leak prevention as well as: 

• underground carbon capture and storage

• construction and land remediation 

• hazardous waste disposal and safety

• building preservation

Circular economy and recycling 

Chris’ background in environmental science has led to a focus on projects that reduce the environmental impact of the glass supply chain either through efficiency improvements in the glass manufacturing process, increased use of recycled materials, and the development of products with lower environmental impacts. Chris has worked as technical lead on container recycling projects in the UK and Russian Federation, and circular economy projects in the construction and architectural glass supply chain across Europe. He has also carried out studies into the technological and economic potential for low grade post consumer glass. He has delivered training courses on glass recycling and environmental improvement in the UK and internationally.