My name is Ferreira Neto, a Brazilian journalist and professor living in Portugal. I am also a mechatronics technician, driven by the needs of my project.

In 2015, while working on a report about waste pickers, I witnessed the harsh working conditions they faced. Despite exhausting hours, they earned meager wages from selling recyclable materials. This sparked an idea: why not transform collected plastic into useful products and create more value? With this vision, I began an in-depth study of 3D printing technology, which led me to complete a course in Mechatronics to gain the necessary technical skills.

Thus, the 3D-Recycler Project was born, aimed at empowering waste pickers by providing a sustainable and profitable alternative. The goal is for them to turn plastic waste into everyday items, such as utensils, toys, and spare parts, which can be sold directly. In addition to creating a new income source, this initiative helps reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Building on this idea, we also developed a compact, easy-to-use home unit that functions as an appliance in people’s homes.

Today, the 3D-Recycler Project stands as a platform that integrates technology, sustainability, and social transformation, enabling everyone—from waste pickers to individuals and institutions—to be part of a fairer and more sustainable production chain, contributing to reducing the daily plastic waste discarded into nature.