Our Story
Our journey began in 2018, while working on a project to develop printed electronics for heated garments designed for Olympic athletes competing in the 2020 Olympic Games.
As the project came to a close, we began asking an important question: What happens to these garments once the Games are over? More specifically, what becomes of the precious metals they contain, and those used in similar products around the world?
We quickly discovered that there were very few viable options for recovering precious metals from electronic waste, and none that could truly be called environmentally friendly. Existing methods rely on highly toxic chemicals or pyrolytic processes, both of which pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
It was in response to this challenge that Ail Arian was founded.
We developed a novel silver ink formulation that enables the recovery of silver from electronic waste using a sustainable, environmentally friendly process, one that does not damage the metal itself. This means the silver recovered through our method can be reused directly in new conductive inks, with no need for further processing. By adopting a design-for-recycling approach, we created the first truly circular lifecycle for printed electronics.
In 2022, we piloted our innovation at Swansea University, achieving recovery rates of over 80% from paper substrates and 95% from plastics. Following this success, we filed a patent for both our silver ink formulation and its unique recycling process through Swansea University’s AgorIP programme.
With our patent granted and the technology protected, we shifted our focus to scaling impact and promoting sustainable printed electronics. Led by Dr James Claypole, our team secured a place on the Innovate UK ICURe Explore programme to assess the commercial potential of our technology. After three months of in-depth market research, our findings were presented to an expert panel, who concluded that launching a spinout company was the best route to maximise impact.
This led to a further three months of business development through the ICURe Exploit programme, during which we refined our business model. We were then awarded a £250,000 grant via the ICURe Follow-On Fund, giving Ail Arian the boost it needed to get off the ground. We also welcomed our first team member, Hannah.
In 2024, we established our new office and laboratory at the Bay Technology Centre in Port Talbot, South Wales, and welcomed Laura, our Ink Development Officer, to the team.
In 2025, our growth continued as we welcomed Rachel, our Senior Ink Development Officer, and Danielle, our Administrator. We also began developing a new range of recyclable silver inks for use across a variety of applications.
To help inspire the next generation, we launched the Ail Arian Outreach Programme, Waste to Wonderful. This initiative teaches children in primary and secondary schools about the growing issue of electronic waste, how our ink can help address this global problem, and gives them a hands-on opportunity to experience our recycling process through engaging experiments.
We are now focused on expanding our product range, scaling up manufacturing, and continuing to grow our team, all while driving forward our mission to build a truly circular future for printed electronics.
Our Team
Dr James Claypole
CEO AND FOUNDER
James worked as a researcher at the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating based in Swansea University for more than 10 years. Where he developed a formulation and method for recovering silver from printed electronics. A patent was filed for the technology with the help of the AgorIP and is currently the subject of an Innovate UK ICURe Explore project to determine the commercial potential.
James’ background is in the formulation of novel materials for printing and in the rheological measurement of process materials. He has worked on a number of notable research projects including; Advanced Rheology for Printed Large Area Electronics, Advanced Function Micro & Nano-Materials, which focused on the scale up of technology, and Heated Wearable Technology for Elite Sport, which created bespoke wearables used by British Olympic athletes during training and gold medal British athletes at the Olympic games in Tokyo.
Through the ICURe Explore project, James led the research team to explore the commercial potential of the patented recyclable silver ink technology. Following 3 months of market research and pitching to an expert panel, it was decided that the creation of a spinout company was the best route. James led the team through the ICURe Exploit program and was successful in applying for the ICURe follow on funded and securing Angel Investment. James started as CEO of Ail Arian in August 2024 to continue the journey to creating more sustainable printed electronics.
Hannah Claypole
MARKETING AND SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER
Hannah graduated from Swansea University with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, combining her academic background with a passion for creativity and communication. She successfully ran a small creative design business, where she honed her technical skills, managed social media marketing, and delivered bespoke design projects.
With experience across both the private and public sectors, including roles in communications and outreach, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Marketing and Sustainability Officer at Ail Arian. She is currently studying a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) course in digital marketing, ensuring her skills remain at the forefront of industry trends.
In addition to her professional achievements, Hannah enjoys photography, a hobby that complements her creative flair and attention to detail. At Ail Arian, she combines her diverse expertise to promote sustainable innovation and support the company’s mission to drive positive environmental change.
Laura Wood
INK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Laura is the Ink Development Officer at Ail Arian, a forward thinking company focused on developing innovative, sustainable solutions. With a First Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Swansea University and an MSc by Research in Materials Engineering, Laura brings expertise in creating advanced materials and technologies with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Before joining Ail Arian, Laura worked at the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating, where she contributed to the development of new materials and formulations for industrial applications, including corrosion-resistant coatings for offshore marine turbines. This hands-on experience has allowed her to gain valuable insights into creating products that balance performance with environmental sustainability.
At Ail Arian, Laura is excited to be part of a forward-thinking team that shares her commitment to advancing sustainable engineering practices. She is focused on leveraging her academic background and early career experience to help develop eco-friendly, innovative solutions that meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry.
Rachel Atkinson
SENIOR INK DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Rachel has worked in the coatings industry for 4+ years and has extensive experience in coating formulation and analysis, dispersion chemistry and rheology. She has a background in polymer chemistry, her PhD research focused on the development of biobased block copolymers for use as thermoplastic elastomers. She joined AilArian in February 2025 as a senior ink development officer.
Danielle Conway
ADMINISTRATOR
I am an experienced Office Administrator currently working at Ail Arian, holding an NVQ in Business and Administration. I gained my qualification while working at a solicitors’ firm, where I developed valuable insights into office management and legal processes. I studied Humanities at college before furthering my education at Swansea University, where I pursued a degree in Psychology and Counselling. This deepened my understanding of human behaviour and interpersonal relationships.
Alongside my administrative career, I ran my own business, which enabled me to develop a diverse skill set, including ICT, business management, accountancy, market research, and marketing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I used my creativity to design and produce a range of reusable products, including face masks, which I sold through my online shop. I also donated hundreds to vulnerable individuals and ran virtual tutorials to educate others on the importance of reducing waste and creating sustainable alternatives.
Passionate about sustainability, I strongly believe in promoting a circular economy and minimising environmental impact. My commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Ail Arian’s focus on recycling and environmental responsibility, making it a natural fit for me. I take pride in contributing to a company that shares my values and supports efforts to build a more sustainable future.
Awards
Finalists in the LOPEC Start Up Business Awards in February 2025
Finalists in the “Clean Tech Startup of the Year” category at the UK Start Up Awards (Wales)
Stakeholders / partners
- Swansea University
- Innovate UK
- Icure
- Royal Society of Chemistry
- Neath Port Talbot Council
- UKSE
