In a unique and proactive initiative aimed at contributing to reducing plastic waste and utilizing recycled materials for creative purposes, the "3D Printing Plastic Fibers from Used Plastic Bottles (GreenPrin 3D)" project is being implemented against the backdrop of the expected surge in the 3D printing market by 2028 and the serious issue of PET plastic bottle pollution. This project received an encouragement award at the Danang Innovative Entrepreneurship Startup Competition within the framework of the SURF 2023 event.

Consolation prize at the Danang Innovation Startup Competition within the framework of the SURF 2023 event

Mr. Pham Quyen Anh, the representative of the "3D Printing Plastic Fibers from Used Plastic Bottles (GreenPrin 3D)" project, shared that while working at Duy Tan University, his team noticed that the university's Lab was equipped with modern devices and various 3D printers like Dremel digilab 3D45, Creator Max, ANYCUBIC 4K, etc. These 3D printers often use plastics with a high cost, ranging from 800 thousand to nearly 2 million VND per 1kg roll, imported from the United States. Given the substantial environmental impact of plastic waste on our living environment and the fact that it takes hundreds of years to decompose if not properly handled, the team explored ways to recycle used plastic bottles to create plastic fibers for 3D printing.

In the research and implementation process, Mr. Quyen Anh shared that the team initially focused on identifying sources of plastic bottle supply. They then experimented with various methods of cutting plastic bottles into fibers. Initially, using blades for cutting resulted in uneven fibers, leading to unsatisfactory results. Subsequently, they switched to the current mechanism, using rotating blades for cutting, which produced uniform and beautiful plastic fibers.

According to the project team, currently, only about 15% - 25% of PET plastic bottles are recycled, negatively impacting the human living environment. The GreenPrin 3D project emerged from efforts to address this issue by reusing used plastic bottles to produce plastic fibers for FDM 3D printing technology. This solution not only helps minimize plastic bottle waste but also transforms them into reusable plastic fiber materials.

The economic aspect of the project is highly attractive, with a cost of approximately 42,200 VND per 1kg of product, making this solution cost-effective and competitive in the market. The projected development roadmap is flexible, focusing on product refinement in 2023 and market expansion in 2025. The uniqueness of the project lies not only in the technical and environmental aspects but also in the combination of recycled materials and modern 3D printing technology. This provides an exciting opportunity for environmentally conscious businesses and consumers, creating a high-quality product at a reasonable cost.

In the future, the project plans to recruit additional personnel for business and marketing from final-year students at the Duy Tan University's School of Economics. This aims to bring the product closer to consumers and expand its application in the community.

Recently, the "3D Printing Plastic Fibers from Used Plastic Bottles (GreenPrin 3D)" project excellently received an encouragement award at the Danang Innovative Entrepreneurship Startup Competition within the framework of the SURF 2023 event. Mr. Pham Quyen Anh shared, "Through the competition, I received thoughtful guidance on presentation, steps, and essential components for a startup. These are knowledge I had never learned before. In addition, the startups participating in the competition showed professionalism and a willingness to share for mutual learning."

The "3D Printing Plastic Fibers from Used Plastic Bottles (GreenPrin 3D)" project not only brings economic benefits but also has a positive impact on the environment, helping to minimize waste and utilize recycled materials. This is a significant step forward in creating innovative technology products with environmental responsibility.