Cameroon - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

PET BOTTLE 3D PRINT FILAMENT is a PET bottle recycling machine that creates 3D Printing Filaments out of PET bottles. In vision with the SDG goals, it uses 3D printing technology to address the issues of; Plastic Waste and Limited 3D Printing Resources.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The PET BOTTLE 3D PRINT FILAMENT is a PET bottle recycling machine that creates 3D Printing Filaments. In vision with the SDG goals, it addresses the issues of: Plastic Waste: By turning used bottles into filaments, we divert from landfills and promote recycling. Limited 3D Printing Resources: The machine offers a cost effective and readily available source of filaments, making 3D printing more accessible By transforming readily available PET bottles into 3D printing filaments, our machine promotes sustainable practices by diverting plastic from landfills and creating a new life for bottles. Furthermore, it broadens the accessibility of 3D printing, particularly in regions with limited resources or those looking for cost effective filaments options. This can empower individuals and communities to engage in creative design and fabrication using recycled materials.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Plastic Waste Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic is widely used in packaging, particularly for beverages, liquids and food containers. While PET plastics offers convenience and durability, it presents significant environmental challenges leading to environmental pollution, waste management challenges, resource depletion and Human Health (production of microplastics). As of 2021, global production of PET plastic (bottles) was estimated at around 82 million metric tons annually with only about 14-18% of PET plastic been recycled. Also an estimate of 8 million metric tons of plastic waste, including PET plastics enter the oceans. Limited 3D Printing Resources As 3D printing technology continues to improve, there is a rising need for more available quality printing materials. The cost of getting this materials is very high and sometimes, time consuming due to the fact they have to be imported. With this, our product is geared towards solving these challenges.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Advantages Sustainable Solution: Diverts plastic waste from landfills, promoting a circular economy and reducing reliance on virgin plastic. Cost-Effective Filament: Provides users with a potentially cheaper alternative to commercially available filament, making 3D printing more accessible. User-Friendly Technology: Enables decentralized filament production, empowering individuals and communities to create their own materials locally. Educational Tool: Can be used in educational settings to promote STEAM learning and environmental awareness. Economic Opportunities: Creates potential for job creation in recycling, machine production, and filament sales. Benefits Environmental Benefits: Reduced Plastic Waste, Lower Carbon Footprint and Promotes Sustainability. Social: Increased Accessibility of 3D printing, Educational Opportunities and Empowers Communities. Economic: Job Creation, Cost Savings and Stimulates Local Economies.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Individual Makers and Hobbyist: Anyone with a 3D printer and an interest in sustainable practices can benefit from the ability to produce their own low-cost filaments from recycled PET bottles. This could include students, artists, entrepreneurs, and DIY enthusiast, with a specific focus on attracting women and young people who might be interested in exploring 3D printing but face cost barriers. Educational Institutions and Makerspaces: Schools, universities, and community makerspaces can leverage the machine to provide affordable 3D printing materials for educational purposes and promote STEAM learning among students, particularly encouraging young girls and women to engage in these fields. Communities with Limited Resources: In the region with limited access to resources or expensive filament options, the machine can empower communities to create their own filament and potentially develop new economic opportunities.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-12-02

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Mr Matt Klaus Mr Matt Klaus is an experience Software engineer, hardware and AI enthusiast who is passionate about building a sustainable future. He is an IT specialist and Lead Software Developer at UNESCO with over 6 years of experience. Currently he handles all the projects finance and leads the project. Madam Gisele Madam Gisele is a Human Resource and Communication Specialist with lots of experience in sales and marketing. She is responsible for documenting and marketing our product. Tambu Precious Tambu Precious is a final year Engineering Student at the University of Buea studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering, majoring in Telecommunications. He is a Robotics and Cyber Security enthusiast with lost of experience in electronics, cyber security and computer programming. He is one of the key engineer and developer of the machine, he programs and comes up with efficient algorithms that makes the machine function better.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

www.linkedin.com/in/ asongna-brilan-16b862209

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Job Creation: The Project can create new jobs in recycling, manufacturing, computer programming, electronics and related industries. Economic Growth: By promoting a circular economy, it can stimulate local economies through the development of new markets for recycled products. Innovation and Skill Development: Workers involved in the project can develop new skills in advanced manufacturing and sustainable practices.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Industry and Infrastructure: Establishing facilities for converting PET bottles into 3D printing filament contributes to industrial infrastructure. Innovation: The project promotes technological innovation by developing new uses for waste materials. Sustainable Industrialization: It supports sustainable industrial practices by reducing reliance on virgin plastic materials.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Waste Management: The project helps cities manage plastic waste more effectively, reducing landfills use and pollution. Sustainable Urban Practices: By incorporating recycling into urban manufacturing processes, it supports more sustainable city living. Community Engagement: Local communities can be involved in recycling initiatives, fostering a culture of sustainability.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Waste Reduction: Converting PET bottles into filament reduces plastic waste, promoting responsible consumption. Sustainable Production: The project encourages the production of goods using recycled materials. Resource Efficiency: It enhances resource efficiency by creating a circular loop for PET bottles.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Emission Reduction: Recycling PET bottles into filament can lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing virgin plastic. Promoting Recycling: By increasing the value of recycled materials, the project encourages broader recycling efforts, which contribute to climate mitigation strategies.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Marine Pollution: Reducing plastic waste through recycling can decrease the amount of plastic entering oceans, protecting marine life. Ecosystem Protection: By promoting the recycling of PET bottles, the project helps preserve aquatic ecosystems from plastic pollution.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Land Pollution: The project can help reduce plastic pollution on land by diverting PET bottles from landfills and the environment. Ecosystem Restoration: Effective recycling reduces the environmental impact on terrestrial ecosystems and can support efforts to restore polluted areas.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

4

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Currently, most 3D printing filament is made from virgin plastic, raising concerns about resource depletion and plastic pollution. While recycled filament options exist, they might be limited in availability or more expensive. The innovative of our project is that it offers a solution by creating filaments directly from PET bottles. This promotes a circular economy , reduces reliance on virgin plastic, and provides a potentially more affordable filament option for users. Also, large-scale industrial processes are often used for recycling plastic into filament. These might not be accessible to individual users or communities. Our project focuses on developing a user friendly machine suitable for individual or small-scale production. This empowers users to create their own filaments locally, fostering a more decentralized and accessible approach, and also drastically reducing the cost of filaments.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

3D Tech Solutions: Located in Yaounde, they Offer a wide range of 3D printing services using Ployactic acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and resin materials. They have a Strong online presence and competitive pricing. PrintLab: Located in Douala, they focus on high-volume 3D printing for businesses, with expertise in complex designs and engineering applications. They have a Limited customer service options. CameMaker: Located in Bamenda, they Offer 3D printing services alongside Computerized Numerical control (CNC) machining and laser cutting. They Lack a dedicated website and might have limited brand awareness compared to Yaounde and Douala-based competitors. While most of this competitors focus on 3D printing technology itself, we offer an alternative and more flexible way of filament production that are produced, maintained and sold locally.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Evaluating the exact number at this stage might be challenging. However, during project implementation, we can track the following metrics to assess the impact on women and young people. Number of machines sold or deployed: This provides a general indication of the project's reach. User Demographics: Through surveys or registration forms, we can collect data on the gender and age of users to understand the specific reach among women and young people. Educational workshops and outreach programs: Rack the number of participants, specifically targeting women's groups and young programs , to assess their engagement with the technology and its sustainable aspects. Community partnerships: Partnering with schools, universities, or women's cooperatives can help target specific beneficiary groups and track their progress in adopting the machine and recycled filament. By monitoring these metrics, we can evaluate the projects effectiveness in reaching its target audience inclusive women.