Introduction:

Sponsor-a-can is pioneering a transformative initiative to tackle the global challenge of plastic waste by establishing a unique partnership between Washington state and the Philippines. This collaboration seeks to address the inefficiencies in plastic recycling within Washington, where a significant amount of plastic waste is currently incinerated or rejected due to contamination. By developing a relationship between the Philippines and Washington state, we aim to turn plastic pollution into a valuable resource, fostering both environmental restoration and economic growth. This material will be used to develop manufacturing industries, significantly reduce plastic waste, and create a bond between two countries that is mutually beneficial domestic and abroad.

The Philippines: A Global Plastic Pollution Hotspot

The Philippines ranks among the most plastic-polluted countries globally, contributing significantly to ocean plastic pollution. The country struggles with inadequate waste management infrastructure, leading to large quantities of plastic waste entering waterways and oceans​ (The Association of Plastic Recyclers). Sponsor-a-can’s initiative offers a solution to this crisis by converting PET plastic waste into 3D printer filament, turning a pollutant into a resource that can drive local innovation and economic development.

Washington’s Recycling Challenges:

Washington state boasts a well-established recycling infrastructure, with curbside collection programs that predominantly accept plastics labeled with resin codes 1 and 2, such as PET and HDPE plastics. These materials are sorted at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and prepared for recycling. However, only a fraction of the collected plastics are successfully recycled. Contamination issues and the absence of viable markets for certain types of plastics mean that much of this waste is either incinerated or exported​ (Washington State Department of Ecology)​ (Climate Of Our Future).

• Incineration Concerns: The incineration of plastic waste in Washington contributes to air pollution and undermines the state’s environmental goals. This method not only fails to address the issue of plastic pollution but also exacerbates the problem by releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere​ (Climate Of Our Future).
• Export Limitations: Exporting plastic waste to other countries, once a common practice, has become increasingly difficult due to stricter import restrictions from major importers like China. This has left Washington with fewer options for managing its plastic waste, creating an urgent need for innovative recycling solutions​ (Washington State Department of Ecology).

Creating a Symbiotic Relationship:

By establishing a partnership between Washington state and the Philippines, we can create a model of international cooperation that benefits both regions:

Washington State: By redirecting plastic waste to the Philippines, Washington can reduce its reliance on incineration, cutting down on air pollution and contributing to global recycling efforts. This partnership offers a sustainable alternative to waste management that aligns with the state’s environmental goals.

The Philippines: The Philippines benefits from receiving high-quality plastic waste that can be refined into 3D printer filament. This process not only helps mitigate the country’s plastic pollution problem but also creates economic opportunities by fostering local industries focused on sustainable practices and technological innovation.

Our Goal:

Sponsor-a-can’s initiative is more than just a recycling project; it is a blueprint for how regions can work together to solve global environmental challenges. By converting plastic waste into valuable resources, we aim to create a cleaner planet and a more prosperous future for all. This partnership between Washington state and the Philippines represents a new era of environmental stewardship, where waste is no longer seen as a burden but as a catalyst for economic and social progress.

The Technology

Overview:

• 3D Printers: We are using an array of 3d printers from companies such as Prusa, Bambu, Creality & Tronxy to develop our solutions.
• Recycling Process: PET plastic bottles are processed and converted into filament, which can then be used for 3D printing. This process is adaptable to any 3D printer with similar components, offering flexibility in implementation.

Key Points:

• Affordable and reliable technology.
• Supported by a large community.
• Adaptable to various 3D printers.

Proof of Concept

Printing Now!

• Immediate Goal: Finish printing the initial concept so that we can recycle PET bottle with the Recreator equipment then replace all components with the recycled plastic.
• Why Recreator3d: We are using designs sourced from Recreator because we like that the system recycles older 3d printers thus further substantiating our recycling endeavour.
• Equipment: We are using a TRONXY XY-SE3 & a PRUSA MK4 to print all of the plastic components. Then of course using the Ender 3 for the electronic components.

Key Points:

• Successful demonstration with tangible products.
• Showcases recycling technology’s potential.
• Highlights the adaptability of the Ender 3.

Empowerment

Empowering Communities:

• Donations and Setup: Our goal is to develop recycling infrastructures across the globe to develop & supplement 3d printing industries while improving the cleanliness of our communities.
• Sustainability and Income: By equipping villages with this technology, we help create sustainable businesses that can generate income through the production and sale of 3D-printed goods.
• Can be done WITHOUT electricity: The PET bottles can be collected and even be sliced into the 8mm bands without electricity. Those plastic bands would then be fed in to equipment like the Recreator3d or Petamentor2 to make the filament. We plan to donate these slicers to communities, educate the communities on how to make their own, and to develop the process to create clean-usable filament. Here is an example of a printed slicer on Printables.

Key Points:

• Provides essential tools for local innovation.
• Creates new income opportunities.

Broader Impact

Global Movement:

• Feasibility: You can see in the video above the foundation of the industry already exists in the Philippines. Here in the United States, we can adapt those processes and allow the most disadvantaged of our population an avenue to improve their lives. The United States possesses the wealth and equipment to easily develop and scale this industry to be accepted by first world countries and the byproduct of this will elevate the rest of the world that participates. All we need are leaders and we are willing to be one.
• Existing Initiatives: Our work builds on the efforts of existing communities like Recreator 3D and Petamentor2, who are also focused on recycling plastic into 3D printer filament.

Key Points:

• Part of a global recycling movement.
• Adaptable and scalable solution.