The first MICROfactory for commercial production of recycled plastic 3D filaments is now operational in Sydney, Australia, as a result of a collaboration between the SMaRT Centre at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the company Renew IT. This innovative facility converts discarded hard plastics, which would normally end up in landfills, into raw material for 3D printers, marking a significant advance in the recycling of electronic waste.
From “trash” plastic to 3D filaments
This recycling module, based on technology developed by the SMaRT Centre, has been installed at the Renew IT warehouse, where electronic plastics have been successfully transformed into sustainable filaments. According to Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Director of the SMaRT Centre, this project is the result of years of research and work in search of a more efficient solution for recycling complex plastics .
The project is the result of years of research. Source: UNSW
3D printing has grown rapidly, but until now, the use of virgin plastics has been the norm. New recycling technology not only reduces the reliance on these materials, but also contributes to the reduction of the environmental footprint associated with transporting filament to Australia.
The fact that we can manufacture filaments locally from used plastics reduces the environmental impact of transportation and decreases the amount of waste ending up in landfills.
Professor Sahajwalla notes.
Alliance with social impact
James Lancaster, Founder and CEO of Renew IT, emphasises that this collaboration between the university and the company, in addition to addressing waste reduction, drives the local manufacturing of recycled products . In addition, Verity Firth, Vice President of Social Impact at UNSW, highlighted the university’s commitment to generating large-scale change through this type of partnership, emphasising the crucial role of science and innovation in sustainability.
With the goal of offering a greener and more economical alternative to conventional 3D filament, this MICROfactory promises to transform the additive manufacturing industry, offering filaments made entirely from recycled plastics.
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Source and internal photo: University of New South Wales
Main photo: shutterstock