‘We want people to know recycling is possible at any scale, anywhere in the world,’ says Stefan Bezdek, sales manager at PlasticPreneur. At last week’s IFAT expo in Munich, he demonstrated the company’s mobile recycling lab that transforms local plastic scrap into useful objects.
The Austrian start-up firm is eager to roll out ‘affordable’ recycling solutions for plastics worldwide. Apart from empowering communities in emergies countries, like Kenya, Nepal and Uganda, PlasticPreneur has clients across Europe and North America.
‘We have helped small businesses, charities and schools in over 90 countries worldwide,’ Bezdek tells Recycling International. ‘Our network is still growing. Collaborations with recycling tech company Erema and BMW have helped get the word out.’
Like a desktop
A major benefit is that the equipment is small and easy to operate. ‘This shredder, which processes up to 30kg of plastics per hour, can be operated by anyone – no need for a technical background. Shredding takes just a few minutes, depending on the volume. Injection moulding takes less than 60 seconds,’ he adds.
Indeed, Bezdek created a pair of brightly coloured polypropylene clasps during our conversation so far. ‘There is a reason we call this the desktop grannulator,’ he notes. ‘It takes up about as much space as a computer. Ideal for an exhibition such as this one. We have a bigger version avialable for people needing more throughput.’
The moulds can be stacked to allow batch production even for small-scale operators. ‘Better yet, the moulds we designed can be made on the spot using plastic scrap,’ Bezdek says. ‘If you don’t like how something turns out, you can simply put the item back into the shredder to begin the process anew. This way, no material goes to waste.’
Besides, all input can be analysed with a dedicated plastic scanner. ‘The idea behind our lab is that recycling is literally in your hands. From material analysis, size reduction to picking the mould for the final product.’
Social impact
Right now, PlasticPreneur can be used to create products like plastic bricks, supporting beams, jewellery, combs, frisbees, buttons, door handles and more. The construction materials are making a big social impact on the quality of life for people living in Africa and Latin America.
Bezdek underlines that disruptive ideas are key to real change. ‘Machinery for small-scale recycling has not yet been marketed effectively by other companies. We are focussing on new actors, allowing people formerly watching from the sidelines to get involved, too.’
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