In this path, the collection of PLA for composting would still connect the local 3D printing community and dispose of scrap PLA responsibly. One of the downsides is that there is no reusable output product, as it would result in biomatter that can be used as fertilizer, which can easily be achieved from food waste with much less energy consumption. Below is a flowchart of the PLA composting process.
Continue reading “Archive: Plan #3: Collecting and Composting PLA”Archive: Plan #2: Collecting and Recycling Different Types of Plastic
Continue reading “Archive: Plan #2: Collecting and Recycling Different Types of Plastic”Plastics are the workhorse material of the modern economy – with unbeaten properties. However they are also the ultimate single-use material. Growing volumes of end-of-use plastics are generating costs and destroying value to the industry. After-use plastics could – with circular economy thinking – be turned into valuable feedstock. Our research confirms that applying those circular principles could spark a major wave of innovation with benefits for the entire supply chain.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Archive: Action Plan #1 – Collecting and Recycling 3D printing PLA Scraps
This Action Plan would include connecting with local 3D printer owners, collecting their scrap PLA (polylactic acid), cleaning and sorting it, shredding the PLA, re-melting it to produce more filament to 3D print with, and getting the new spool of filament back to someone who can use it. These steps are shown below in a story board.
Continue reading “Archive: Action Plan #1 – Collecting and Recycling 3D printing PLA Scraps”