Renew IT recycles plastics into 3D printing filaments

A collaboration between the University of New South Wales (UNSW) SMaRT Centre and IT asset management company Renew IT has begun turning discarded rigid plastics into 3D printer feedstock using SMaRT’s first commercially produced plastic filament, MICROfactorie.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Founder and Director of the UNSW SMaRT Centre, emphasized the importance of this development. The commercialization of Plastics Filament MICROfactorieTM Technology is a sustainable solution for waste, recycling and manufacturing. This technology makes it possible to convert the hard plastics found in modern electronics, which are not accessible to conventional recycling methods, into valuable filament for 3D printing. Sahajwalla went on to explain that filament was previously almost exclusively imported from petrochemicals. Local production from recycled plastic therefore also reduces the environmental impact of global transportation.

The project aims to reduce 3D printing’s dependence on virgin plastic. These MICROfactories have the potential to fundamentally change the production of 3D printer filaments. Sahajwalla envisions a future where all 3D printer material comes from recycled plastic.

Professor Verity Firth, UNSW Vice-President for Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, emphasized the importance of the partnership with Renew IT. The combination of Prof. Sahajwalla’s scientific innovation and Renew IT’s commercial expertise can deliver real, large-scale change. This partnership is an excellent example of UNSW’s commitment to social impact.

James Lancaster, CEO and founder of Renew IT, pointed out the dual solution to the problem that this project achieves. Not only does it reduce the production of virgin plastic, but it also prevents hard plastic from ending up in landfill. Electronic devices such as televisions, computers and printers often have a short lifespan and usually end up as waste. Turning this plastic waste into new, sought-after products is an optimal solution.

SMaRT’s Head of Microfactories, Anirban Ghose, explained the process: old office equipment is dismantled to find suitable types of plastic. These are then thermally transformed and finally spooled into filament that can be used in 3D printers.

This collaboration is an impressive demonstration of how recycling and modern manufacturing technologies can go hand in hand to create sustainable solutions. By converting electronic waste into valuable resources, the project helps to reduce environmental pollution and promote local production capacities.