IJET 2024 Vol.16(1): 11-15
DOI: 10.7763/IJET.2024.V16.1247
An Investigation of Developing a 3D Printing Industry through the Recycling of Plastic Waste in Mauritius
P. Jeetah1,*, Y. Chuttur2, N. Hurry3, K. Tahalooa4, and D. Seebun1
1. Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius
2. Software and Information Systems Department, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius
3. International Economics Ltd, Mauritius
4. Mini Factory Ltd, Mauritius
Email: p.jeetah@uom.ac.mu (P.J.)
*Corresponding author
Manuscript received August 4, 2023; revised September 5, 2023; accepted October 10, 2023
Abstract—Many containers used in Mauritius for storing household and industrial products are composed of fossil-derived plastic. When discarded as waste, these plastic containers pose a serious environmental and economic challenge for Mauritius. To address this issue, this research looked at the business case for, and engineering implications of, converting plastic waste into 3D printing filaments so as to reduce the amount of plastic that will end up in the landfill. Primarily, this research delved into the following critical issues: the types and volumes of plastic to recycle, the process involved the transformation of plastic waste into 3D filaments, and the commercialization of 3D printing filaments locally and regionally. For this project, we proposed to analyse the 3D printing filament chemical components and identify the most appropriate type of local plastic wastes that can be recycled. A proof of concept, with a business case on the demand projections, has been made. We also proceeded to identify and use the hardware required to build a prototype machine that can convert identified plastic wastes into 3D printing filament locally. We finally evaluated the potential of developing3D printing as a sustainable source of economy for Mauritius through the recommendations of relevant processes and policies to be put in place.
Keywords—3D printing; plastic waste, recycling, filaments
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Cite: P. Jeetah, Y. Chuttur, N. Hurry, K. Tahalooa, and D. Seebun, "An Investigation of Developing a 3D Printing Industry through the Recycling of Plastic Waste in Mauritius," International Journal of Engineering and Technology vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 11-15, 2024.
