ECONOMICALLY VIABLE PLASTIC RECYCLING TO PRODUCE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FEEDSTOCK USING WASTE BOTTLES FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The pursuit of sustainable practices in manufacturing has become increasingly imperative in addressing environmental concerns and resource scarcity.One promising avenue is using waste materials within a circular economy framework.This paper presents an economically viable 3D-printed setup for additive manufacturing feedstock using waste bottles.The process begins with collecting and preparing waste bottles, which are sorted, cleaned, and cut into uniform strips suitable for extrusion.The plastic strips are transformed into filaments using a hotend volcano nozzle suitable for use in 3D printers.This approach effectively demonstrates the principles of a circular economy, where waste is converted into a resource.Utilizing 3D printing technology allows for the fabrication of custom components at a relatively low cost, minimizing the initial investment required for implementation.By maximizing resource utilization and minimizing energy consumption, the setup reduces operational costs and enhances its overall sustainability.The proposed 3D-printed setup offers a practical and cost-effective solution for producing additive manufacturing feedstock from waste bottles within a circular economy framework.Repurposing waste materials into valuable resources addresses environmental and economic challenges, contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable future.