First Graphene Secures AUD$404,300 Tax Rebate After 60% Milling Efficiency Gain
First Graphene has secured an additional AUD$404,300 R&D tax rebate for significant manufacturing process improvements at its Henderson facility, complementing a recent AUD$166,000 rebate from UK-based research efforts.
- Received AUD$404,300 R&D tax rebate for Henderson facility improvements
- Implemented Retsch Mill, enhancing milling efficiency by 60% and reducing costs by 67%
- Electrochemical Cell Optimisation trials increased production rate by 32% and cut power consumption by 25%
- Additional AUD$166,000 rebate from UK R&D activities supporting graphene oxide development
- R&D efforts underpin First Graphene’s commercialisation strategy and market expansion
R&D Tax Rebates Signal Manufacturing Breakthroughs
First Graphene Limited (ASX:FGR) has announced a substantial AUD$404,300 research and development (R&D) tax rebate tied to advancements at its Henderson manufacturing facility in Western Australia. This latest rebate follows a recent AUD$166,000 rebate for R&D activities in the United Kingdom, collectively reinforcing the company’s financial footing and innovation credentials.
The rebates are a direct result of targeted improvements to the production of First Graphene’s flagship PureGRAPH® products. Central to these enhancements is the introduction of a Retsch Mill, which has boosted milling efficiency by 60% and slashed costs by 67%. Such gains are significant in an industry where manufacturing efficiency and cost control are critical to scaling advanced materials.
Optimising Electrochemical Processes
Complementing the milling upgrade, First Graphene’s Electrochemical Cell Optimisation trials have yielded a 32% increase in production rates alongside a 25% reduction in power consumption. These improvements not only enhance throughput but also align with the company’s broader sustainability goals by lowering energy usage.
The collaborative efforts between the Henderson and UK R&D teams have also advanced the manufacture of graphene oxide, a material with promising applications in water purification and desalination. This diversification could open new commercial avenues for First Graphene beyond its core markets.
Strategic Implications and Market Positioning
Managing Director and CEO Michael Bell highlighted the importance of these developments, noting that the rebates underscore the value of First Graphene’s work to the wider industry. The company’s focus on refining PureGRAPH® grades enhances product versatility, which is crucial as demand grows across sectors such as cement, composites, coatings, and energy storage.
First Graphene’s robust manufacturing platform, supported by captive raw material supplies and scalable technologies, positions it well to meet increasing market demand. The company’s ongoing R&D investments, bolstered by government incentives and client-funded projects, are integral to its pathway toward commercialisation in emerging markets.
With these operational efficiencies and financial boosts, First Graphene is poised to advance a series of commercial opportunities throughout 2025, potentially accelerating its growth trajectory in the competitive advanced materials landscape.
Bottom Line?
First Graphene’s enhanced manufacturing efficiencies and financial support set the stage for a pivotal year of commercial expansion.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the improved manufacturing efficiencies translate into pricing and margins for PureGRAPH® products?
- What new markets or applications might graphene oxide open for First Graphene?
- Can the company sustain this R&D momentum to maintain its competitive edge?
