Senegalese engineer Francois Mbengue is transforming discarded bottles into 3D printer filament, offering a local solution to a global environmental crisis.
Mbengue’s innovative device recycles waste into valuable material, empowering communities and tackling Senegal’s growing plastic problem.
According to Viory Video News Agency, Senegal grapples with an immense plastic waste challenge, generating approximately 250,000 metric tons annually, of which only 11% is properly recycled.
Mbengue’s "Organic Matter and Synthetic Matter" (MOMS) project directly confronts this reality. He sought to create a practical solution with impactful results.
Mbengue, a self-taught engineer from Dakar, has designed a machine that converts discarded plastic bottles into a continuous ribbon of filament, a testament to human ingenuity.
The process involves cleaning and heating the plastic to facilitate cutting. It's then fed into Mbengue's device, expertly converting it into filament suitable for use in standard 3D printers.
The implications of this process extend to creating a wide array of objects.
Beyond its environmental impact, Mbengue envisions his project addressing crucial social needs within his community. The innovator aims to produce affordable and accessible items for students and farmers, reducing dependence on imports. "Our main targets are schools, farmers, and hospitals," Mbengue explained. "This will prevent us from importing items such as rules and other materials used by students. For agriculture, the idea is to make pots for farmers."
The potential impact of MOMS is substantial. By locally sourcing materials and manufacturing essential items, Mbengue's project fosters economic empowerment and reduces reliance on foreign goods. It also promotes a circular economy, transforming waste into a valuable resource, which mitigates pollution to landfills and waterways.
Senegal's position as a significant contributor to ocean plastic pollution underscores the urgency of initiatives like MOMS.
Mbengue’s innovative approach provides a tangible and sustainable method to combat the crisis, transforming plastic waste into opportunities for growth and development. This initiative showcases how creative solutions can address environmental challenges and foster a more sustainable future.
