According to a press release by Extreme E, their Official Supplier of equipment and training 3devo will be creating trophies from consumer plastic waste. The Netherlands based tech company 3devo will provide Extreme E with full material recycling and processing solutions which will transform plastic waste to filament to 3D print applications including winners trophies. Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: “This concept from 3devo was founded by a group of young inventive engineers and I’m delighted Extreme E is able to implement this technology. The 3devo mission to assist businesses to be more sustainable is a shared vision of Extreme E, which is why the series is looking for lower carbon intensive ways to run the championship from zero emission vehicles, right through to trophy creation.
“It is incredibly satisfying to know that using ocean plastic for our trophies has a positive impact on the environment, and I can’t wait to see our inaugural race winners lift them in Saudi Arabia on the 4 April.”
Tim Wesselink, Founder and CEO at 3devo, added: “Our mission has always been to empower innovators within 3D printing through accessible and quality products to create material discoveries. Thankfully, through our solution, these discoveries aren’t wasteful. By minimising plastic waste consumption and repurposing the waste created – it takes a whole new turn on innovation.
“By Extreme E recognising and acting upon the impact of climate change, we truly believe this partnership will allow us to amplify our message. Showing the world that the plastic waste that is threatening our environment, can also be seen as something useful when repurposed. “We are proud to contribute to Extreme E as an example of closed-loop recycling within 3D printing – from plastic waste to a resource. Extreme E’s eagerness to implement technology that is not only sustainable but also offers the opportunity to innovate is extraordinary and admirable. We are beyond thrilled to support Extreme E and ready to overcome the greatest challenges together.”
Three machines have been provided by 3devo – a filament maker, plastic shredder and polymer dryer which will be used to turn waste plastic into trophies. The entries of Extreme E’s trophy design competition recently concluded with over 100 entries being judged by a panel comprising of Catie Munnings, driver for Andretti United, Jayne Connell, Partner at Interstate and Creative Lead of Extreme E, Drew Feustel, astronaut and geophysicist, and Dr Lucy Woodall, marine biologist and Extreme E Ocean Scientist. The winning design will be announced in the coming weeks.