The latest update on our commitment to being a net zero 3D printing service comes in the form of some facts and figures along with some community engagement to actively make a difference in our locale.
First the facts and figures, as we are delighted to announce that we have had it confirmed by our partner in this endeavour, CleanHub, that we have reached 84% of our target for collecting plastic waste for this 12-month period. That is to say, 21,103 kg of unrecyclable plastic has been collected, from a total goal of 25,000 kg.
CleanHub operates globally, with a dedicated mission of preventing unrecyclable plastic reaching the oceans. Working with trusted local waste collection companies and establishing a partnership with Geocycle, to utilise non-recyclable plastic waste as fuel, CleanHub has also built software to track every step of the disposal process from collection to final co-processing of the material
In this way, we can contribute to a global effort. But the local environment and community is important to us too. Along with CleanHub, we believe that actions speak louder than words. CleanHub regularly hosts events that have an immediate impact on local communities and the wider global environment over the longer term.
One such event was a litter picking endeavour in East London, of which we were a part, earlier in the year, to coincide with World Oceans day. This included removing litter and debris from some of the local canals, which were in a pretty bad state. Why litter picking? Well, it may seem inconsequential, but lots of small, coordinated actions such as this contribute to a significant bigger picture. And, actually, picking up litter can directly and positively impact the local environment immediately as well as prevent the picked up litter from ever entering our oceans and various other ecosystems where it can damage habitats and harm wildlife in the longer term.
Whether you become part of an organised effort along these lines, or just pick up litter on your daily travels – these small actions all contribute to something bigger.
Back in the factory in London, we have another plastic waste-reduction initiative in the pipe-line. After considerable research and testing we have identified a plastic powder bed fusion (PBF) 3D printing system that is able to utilise recycled plastic powder for the production of parts. This will add new capacity to our production capabilities, reduce waste powder and recycling considerably, as well as add a new dimension to our parts service. Watch this space …..
