Green Gown Awards 2019 - Aston University - Finalist

480 billion plastic drinking bottles are sold each year across the world, less than half are recycled. At Aston University we are working to add significant value to this plastic waste and develop new approaches for the circular economy, focusing on low income countries (Kenya & India).  

We identified that one novel way to add significant value was to use plastic bottles to make filament for 3D printing, which can be used to print new essential products, such as microscopes and prosthetics. This is particularly important in areas which lack access to robust supply chains. Researchers are working to support the development of reliable and consistent 3D filament production from plastic bottles and help create low cost systems which can be deployed and used anywhere in the world. 

Top 3 learnings:

• We found that highlighting clear economic and social benefits increased uptake of this circular approach. 
• Adding significant value to plastic avoids it being seen as a single use waste product. 
• Collaborations with local partners is key. 

Videos

• Circular plastic: From a plastic bottle to new products in low income areas (click to hide)