What is Plasticpreneur?
Plasticpreneur is all about making plastic recycling accessible, hands-on, and small-scale. It’s a social business that truly cares about people and our planet. The project offers practical plastic recycling and processing solutions that anyone can use to accelerate applications along the entire value chain. By utilising injection and extrusion moulding, Plasticpreneur empowers users to explore, create, and manufacture sustainable products right where they are. It’s not just about machines—it’s about enabling grassroots social entrepreneurship and turning plastic waste into something valuable and new.
Main Benefits of Plasticpreneur’s Approach
Plasticpreneur’s offerings come packed with features and benefits that make plastic recycling straightforward and effective. Here are some key figures and facts:
- Injection Moulding Machine (IMK2) priced at 5,890 € (excl. VAT), including tools, safety gear, and a spinning tops mould.
- Electrical specs: 230 V or 110 V options with max power consumption of 1,200 W.
- Max temperature capability: 300°C.
- Compact dimensions: 90 x 70 x 160 cm and a weight of 30.5 kg.
- Certified with CE and UKCA standards.
- Modular spring clamping system for fast cycle times and easy mould changes.
- Stand-alone and portable design for safe, smooth workflows and easy transport.
- Manual injection process that’s perfect for learning and achieving a flawless finish.
- Safety features like excess pressure covers and over-temperature sensors to prevent overheating.
- Recommended materials include polyolefins such as PP and HDPE, with compatibility for PS, ABS, LDPE (rigid), PLA, and TPU.
Machines That Make It Happen
Plasticpreneur offers a range of machines designed to cover every step of the recycling process. From shredding to shaping, these tools are built for efficiency and ease of use. The lineup includes the IMK2 injection moulding machine, the EMK2 extruder, the GMK2 granulator, and even a desktop granulator called the DGMK2. For safety and precision, there’s the FEMK2 fume extractor, the MSMK2 manual shredder, and the PSMK2 plastic scanner. Each machine plays a crucial role in transforming plastic waste into new products, making the entire process simple and cost-effective.
Moulds and Their Role
To complement the machines, Plasticpreneur provides injection and extrusion moulds that help shape recycled plastic into specific forms. Injection moulds are perfect for creating detailed, individual items, while extrusion moulds are used to produce continuous profiles or products. This combination allows for a wide variety of applications, giving users the flexibility to innovate and manufacture sustainable solutions tailored to their needs.
The Recycling Process Simplified
The recycling process with Plasticpreneur is straightforward and effective. It starts with collecting plastic waste, which is then sorted, washed, and prepared. Next, the plastic is shredded into small flakes using shredders. These flakes are processed further using the injection moulding machine or extruder. The moulds then shape the plastic into new products, which are ready to use in a short time. It’s a seamless cycle that turns waste into value, right on-site.
Plasticpreneur’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – promoting recycling and reducing waste.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – lowering plastic pollution and carbon footprint through local recycling.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – fostering social entrepreneurship and local job creation.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – providing innovative small-scale recycling technology.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – supporting cleaner, healthier environments.
Stories and Applications That Inspire
Plasticpreneur’s impact is best seen through the stories of those who use its machines and moulds. Projects like Eco Brix Uganda, collaborations with the BMW Group, and initiatives such as Grand Garage Knobby showcase how this technology is applied worldwide. These stories highlight the versatility and real-world benefits of small-scale plastic recycling, inspiring others to join the movement and make a difference in their communities.
