THE PROJECT
The 3D-Recycler aims to produce a 3D printer that eliminates the use of filaments by utilizing recyclable plastics instead of new ones. The system includes a shredder and melter that injects plastic directly into the print nozzles. The printers can have 1 to 4 nozzles, allowing for printing with different types of plastic or simultaneous production of multiple copies of an object. Equipped with a built-in file reading system, the printers operate without a computer connection. Micro-cameras enable remote monitoring and scanning of objects for creating digital models. An optional laser emitter performs engravings, reliefs, and cuts on different objects, not just printed ones.
We offer upgrade modules for existing 3D printers, allowing them to use household plastic waste instead of expensive filaments. Printed objects can also be recycled and transformed back into raw materials. With models for home and semi-industrial use, we aim to drastically reduce daily plastic waste. The project has the potential to empower "waste pickers," turning them into producers of recycled goods, creating a significant social impact.
3D printing holds great potential at the household, business, and educational levels, enabling the creation of toys, utensils, spare parts, furniture, among others. Schools, hospitals, and companies can utilize this technology for both teaching and producing essential items from locally generated plastic waste.
We work with open technology: all assembly files for the printers will be shared for free. We offer ready-made models with warranty and technical assistance, along with support for assembly and training for industrial and semi-industrial models. We utilize the Cartesian system to ensure low cost and ease of maintenance, allowing for future modifications.
In addition to existing databases, 3D-Recycler aims to create its own bank of open models, developed by and for users. Our goal is to build a wide network of file sharing and collaborative production, facilitating access to useful, tested objects for printing.
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THE PLASTIC
Plastic has changed the face of the planet. It has replaced wood, metal, and glass in many processes and products, creating a new era of consumer goods. It is hard to imagine the world today without plastic.
At the same time, plastic has created probably the largest problem ever produced by humans and has become the largest element of pollution on Earth. We are far from being able to reverse its terrible negative sides.
Plastic in the oceans has permanently altered the habitat of various species.
Microplastics are everywhere, from plants and rivers to human lungs and placentas.
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THE NUMBERS
In 2023, global plastic production reached 430 million tons, with 58.7 million in Europe. Only 9% was recycled.
In the same year, cumulative production surpassed 9.5 billion tons—over a ton per person on the planet. Plastic production grows about 4% per year.
Each human ingests about 5 grams of microplastics per week, 250 grams annually.
Recycling is inefficient and more expensive: in Europe, a ton of recycled plastics costs 70 euros more than a ton of virgin plastic. Recycling occurs mainly due to legal requirements and not economic incentives.
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THE FACTS
There is no expectation of a solution to the plastic problem in the coming decades. Even if production were stopped today, existing plastic would take 400 to 1000 years to decompose. However, without a substitute with similar mechanical properties and an affordable price, production will continue.
In less developed countries, the situation is even worse, as many lack selective collection. Plastic accumulates without a solution in sight.
Recycling is the best available alternative. In 2023, only 9% of global plastic was recycled. The forecast for 2050 is that 44% of annual production will be recycled. Despite this increase, recycling will not solve the problem, as production continues to grow annually, and unrecycled plastic accumulates.
Although 3D printers are a promising innovation, the use of plastic filaments in current models has created a new demand for this raw material.
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THE HUMAN ELEMENT
According to the Global Alliance of Waste Pickers, there are 3,933,426 people registered in waste collector cooperatives worldwide. This number is estimated to be 8 to 10 times higher, considering those in informal jobs outside official organizations. More than 40 million people live in poverty, collecting plastics for resale to recycling companies for often insignificant prices.
Recycling industries in countries like India and Brazil sell a ton of PET plastic for about 450 euros, while collectors, who sell to collection and transport companies, receive less than 150 euros per ton. In some countries, this amount drops to less than 20 euros per ton.
To understand the effort involved, a PET plastic bottle weighs on average 50 grams, requiring 20,000 bottles to total 1 ton.
For those wishing to contribute to recycling and the health of the planet, the only option is to deposit plastics in specific collectors or occasionally do crafts.
However, there is still no real solution for home recycling.
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THE ALTERNATIVE
3D-Recycler proposes a printer that eliminates the use of filaments and promotes the recycling of existing plastics, reducing the need to produce new ones. With advanced technology and determination, our goal is to increase recycling both at home and on an industrial scale.
Our printer can transform plastic waste directly into useful objects. Home models will create items such as containers, toys, utensils, and spare parts, limited only by the user’s imagination. Industrial models will produce furniture, facades, shelves, and other large-scale objects according to buyers' needs.
The internet has vast databases with millions of models for 3D printing. However, we plan to create a new open platform where users can share and access new models, fostering a collaborative production network.
Our project includes a module to transform plastic waste into raw material for printing on other printers that still use expensive and polluting filaments. This way, any 3D printer will be able to use recycled household plastics, and the printed objects themselves can be reused as new raw material, closing the production cycle.
