Sustainability problem

The use of 3D printers is growing. These printers tend to utilize oil based plastic with high toxic fumes and melting point released. This has a large potential of increasing pollution and plastic waste, which can each take from 500-1000 years to decompose.

Sustainable Technology

Utilizing recycled plastic for 3D printers can reduce plastic waste, encourage recycling and in many cases creating jobs. Recyclebot 3D printers can utilize recycled plastics to print. This will not only reduce waste but drops the cost of filament refills for users.

The used plastic is pushed into a headed pipe, melting the plastic and forming it into a long plastic spaghetti, which is then molded to the desired/designed shape.

Stakeholders

• Recyclebot companies
• Companies that require the use of 3D printers (e.g. design/architecture/manufacturing companies).
• Environmentalists
• Municipalities

Implementation:

• Recyclebot needs to partner with environmental NGOs to promote their product more extensively worldwide (especially in regions where there is high amount of plastic waste).
• Recyclebot should work with municipalities to see how this product can be better applied for a sustainable treatment of plastic waste.
• Recyclebot need to network with new investors and maintain good relationship with existing investors to accumulate funding for research to constantly improve the technology (i.e. cost, durability).

Source:

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-recycled-plastic-for-3d-printing-will-drive-sustainability-and-raise-the-social-conscious-of-business/