Truly Circular 3D Printing
In a studio on the IJ in Amsterdam, the start-up vanPlestik is located.
Here, young entrepreneurs Nout Kooij and Sam van Til use a self-built 3D printer to create various objects and everyday items from plastic waste. They use recycled plastic because they aim to fully embrace truly circular 3D printing.
Only recycled plastic
Because they developed their own printer, it can do something most 3D printers cannot. The nozzle of a 3D printer is typically quite small, which means most printers can only use new, unused plastics. For Nout and Sam, this was not an option—they specifically wanted to work with used plastic. However, recycled plastic can sometimes contain traces of other materials, which could clog the printer head. To address this, they searched for an alternative design where it wouldn’t be a problem if particles of other substances were mixed into their raw material.
Various plastics
There are seven different types of plastic, and vanPlestik’s printer can process several of them. Polystyrene, used to make coffee cups and plastic cutlery. ABS, which is commonly found in appliances, such as washing machine parts or refrigerator drawers. And polycarbonate, used in many transparent products like CD cases. Sam and Nout can already use these plastics in their recycling process, but they are actively working on being able to process even more types in the future.
Looking for a useful purpose for your plastic waste?
The goal of vanPlestik is to provide local support in reducing the plastic waste problem. For example, they create new outdoor furniture for Amsterdam-based brewery De Prael using used beer kegs. However, Nout and Sam see many more possibilities and are eager to take on the challenge of creating new, useful items from plastic business waste. So, do you have plastic waste that needs a meaningful purpose? Get in touch with vanPlestik—they are looking for more companies to collaborate with.
Week of the Circular Economy
From January 15 to 19, 2018, the third Week of the Circular Economy will be organized by Nederland Circulair. As one of the frontrunners, vanPlestik will open its doors on January 16. On that day, Sam and Nout aim to demonstrate that recycling doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Interested visitors can also participate in a free workshop. If you’d like to join, sign up via the Nederland Circulair website!
Also interesting: Plastic as raw material
