5 Plastic Recycling Solutions: Recycling for a Sustainable Future

As a worldwide issue, it is vital that the solution to the generation and mismanagement of plastic waste is also considered globally. At 3devo, we are proud to be part of a global movement, using our technology to enable in-house recycling for a range of users, from large production and manufacturing facilities to small-scale community programs, and thus contribute to a circular economy.

According to the research organization Earth Action, by the end of 2024 alone 220 million tons of plastic waste will have been created, with almost 70 million tons of this finding its way into the natural environment. Despite an increased awareness of its devastating impact in recent decades, Earth Action also reports that there has been more than a 7% increase in plastic waste. The scale of plastic waste is difficult to comprehend and correcting our global approach to its management can often feel like an insurmountable challenge to overcome.  

At 3devo, we understand that our approach to plastic waste is small-scale in comparison to the overall problem – but a combined effort of many similar initiatives will contribute to a far greater impact. That is why we are proud to be a part of a wider structure, and we’d like to take the opportunity to shed light on similar organizations, companies, and initiatives developing impactful technologies in the fight against plastic waste.  

So, let’s take a look at the some of these initiatives.

1. The Great Bubble Barrier

It is universal knowledge that a huge amount of plastic waste is entering our natural waterways, contaminating vulnerable environments and interfering with complex ecosystems. Earth Action reports that “Globally in 2024, a staggering 31.5% of plastic waste will be mismanaged at the end of its life, with the risk of this waste ending up in oceans.” In an effort to prevent such vast amounts of waste from entering the world’s oceans, Amsterdam-based start-up The Great Bubble Barrier has spent the past 7 years developing its non-invasive but highly effective bubble technology.  

The bubble barrier is simple in its design, consisting of a perforated tube placed at the bottom of a waterway, which then pumps out air bubbles. This creates an upward current which directs plastic to the surface where it can be collected in a catchment system. Roughly 80kg of waste is collected by the Bubble Barrier Amsterdam each month, preventing that from entering the North Sea. The organization has now installed several barriers across the Netherlands (Katwijk, Wervershoof, Harlingen) and one in Portugal (Vila do Conde), with ambitions to grow further and clean waterways across the globe.

2. The Ocean Cleanup

Founded by Dutch inventor Boyan Slat, The Ocean Cleanup is at the forefront of large-scale efforts to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. The organization uses advanced technologies like floating barriers and autonomous systems to capture plastic waste in the world’s most polluted marine areas, such as the Great Pacific garbage patch. Their floating system, driven by ocean currents, passively collects plastic, allowing the team to remove it from the water without harming marine life. 

Additionally, The Ocean Cleanup developed the Interceptor, a river cleanup solution that prevents plastic from reaching the ocean in the first place. This solar-powered, autonomous device is deployed in rivers around the globe, capturing waste before it spreads. The Ocean Cleanup’s goal is not only to remove existing plastic but also to address pollution at its source, creating a more sustainable and plastic-free future for the world's waterways. 

3. Precious Plastic

Precious Plastic is a global movement dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to take control of plastic recycling. Founded by Dutch designer Dave Hakkens, the initiative provides open-source designs for simple, easy-to-build machines that allow anyone to recycle plastic waste and turn it into valuable new products. By decentralizing plastic recycling, Precious Plastic shifts the responsibility of tackling waste to local communities, allowing them to recycle on a small scale and foster creativity in product design. 

From creating furniture to crafting everyday objects, people worldwide have embraced the Precious Plastic platform to reduce plastic waste in their neighborhoods. The organization also supports an active global community where members share ideas, tutorials, and products, making it a collaborative effort to combat plastic pollution. This grassroots approach promotes a circular economy, where waste is seen not as a burden but as a valuable resource that can be repurposed. 

4. Polymateria

Polymateria is revolutionizing the way we think about plastic waste with its cutting-edge biotransformation technology. Based in the UK, the company has developed a proprietary solution that allows conventional plastic materials to break down in the natural environment within a defined timeframe, without leaving behind toxic residues or microplastics. Unlike traditional biodegradable plastics, which often require specific conditions like industrial composting, Polymateria's materials degrade in natural conditions, including landfills or open environments. 

This innovative approach is a game-changer in addressing single-use plastics that often escape waste management systems and end up in nature. By creating plastics that can harmlessly return to the environment, Polymateria is helping industries move closer to a circular economy, reducing plastic waste while maintaining the functionality of everyday products. Their technology is especially valuable for items like packaging and consumer goods, where minimizing long-term environmental impact is critical. 

  5. 3devo

Based in the Netherlands, 3devo specializes in manufacturing professional-grade filament extrusion machines that allow users to recycle plastic waste into high-quality 3D printing filament. This innovation empowers businesses, educational institutions, and individuals to recycle their own plastic waste, reducing reliance on traditional waste management systems and creating new, sustainable uses for discarded materials. 

3devo’s compact and user-friendly machines are designed to process various types of plastic waste, including household items and industrial scraps, into customizable filament for 3D printing. Their solution not only promotes local recycling but also helps companies reduce plastic consumption and waste production. By enabling users to turn waste into a resource, 3devo is playing a crucial role in addressing the global plastic waste crisis and fostering innovation in manufacturing and product design. 

With their mission to make plastic recycling accessible and scalable, 3devo is helping bridge the gap between waste management and sustainable production, making it easier for industries and individuals to participate in the circular economy. Their technology supports a future where plastic waste is minimized, and materials can be endlessly reused in a closed-loop system. 

Conclusion

Tackling the plastic waste crisis is one of the most complex and pressing challenges of our time, but it also serves as a catalyst for remarkable innovation. From ocean cleanup technologies to grassroots recycling movements, the organizations highlighted here demonstrate that impactful solutions can come from all corners of the world. These efforts, while diverse in approach, share a common goal: to address plastic pollution through sustainable, scalable innovation. 

By turning waste into valuable resources, we believe that even small steps can create meaningful change. Together, through collaboration and innovative thinking, we can transform the way plastic waste is managed and work towards a more sustainable future for generations to come. This journey may be long, but it is one where every action counts, and we are excited to continue making an impact alongside these pioneers. 

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