14 DAY TRIAL // Recycling is always a worthwhile endeavor, since it means one less object that can suffocate nature to death. As it happens, 3D printing technology is a very good way to recycle plastic (one of the most widespread and almost impossible to decompose pollutants).
Taipei-based company decided to take the fight against plastic pollution to the populace, and to advertise its plastic-recycling 3D printer at the same time.
Specifically, they mounted the Mobile Fab on a bicycle and proceeded to wheel down the road, entreating onlookers to bring whatever discarded polypropylene they had on them.
Fabdraft says that its Mobile Fab will eventually be able to recycle other materials, but for now, only polypropylene is supported.
But polypropylene is significant enough on its own, especially as proof of concept, because it is used in many things.
Specifically, the thermoplastic polymer is an ingredient in the making of textiles (ropes, carpets, thermal underwear), stationery, reusable containers of various types, lavatory equipment, automotive components, loudspeakers and even banknotes.
Essentially, pretty much everyone is bound to come across a polypropylene item at some point in their lives, and if they have no more use for it, they may as well recycle it. Especially if they get a trinket out of it.
Which brings us back to the Mobile Fab plastic recycler. It uses a number of pumps, tubes and wires to grind plastic into a fine powder.
The powder then goes into the 3D printer attached to the front of the bicycle, at which point it processes and prints the material according to a pre-set model of the person's choice.
You can wind up with a Fabdraft medallion meant to be inserted into the spokes of another bike, or other things. It depends on how much plastic you bring, since the whole process is free of charge.
As far as incentives go for keeping the environment alive, it's not a bad one at all. Many a No. 5 plastic cup has met its end due to the special 3D printer bicycle.
Fabdraft should make a larger version of the Mobile Fab soon enough, because interest from onlookers proved high. No clue if the bikes will ever make it outside Taiwan though, even if they would be a great addition to any country's towns.
The Mobile Fab is the result of R&D efforts financed through government funds. It is meant to persuade people that it is practical to recycle plastic, not just environmentally sound.