The Shift
The Old Way: Centralized Recycling That Doesn't Work
Industrial plastic recycling requires massive facilities and expensive patented machines. Even then, only 9% of plastic gets recycled.
- Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled
- Industrial recycling machines cost millions and are patented
- Recycled plastic often costs more than virgin plastic
- Developing countries lack infrastructure for recycling
The New Way: Open-Source Machines, Local Recycling
Precious Plastic open-sources blueprints for small-scale recycling machines that anyone can build for €300-2,000. Communities collect, sort, shred, and transform plastic into local products.
- 7 open-source machine designs
- 60+ video tutorials and starter kits
- Global marketplace (Bazar) for machines and products
- Community platform connecting 80,000+ members
The Story
Dave Hakkens started in 2012 as a design student frustrated by the paradox: plastic is valuable but 91% ends up in landfills.
Precious Plastic is an open-source ecosystem enabling community-scale plastic recycling globally.
Proof Points
Registered recycling workspaces in 56 countries
In the global Precious Plastic network
Processed in 2020, going directly to recyclers
From unshredded plastic to cleaned flake feedstock
Deep Dive
Innovation
By open-sourcing everything, Precious Plastic enables distributed innovation. A recycler in Bangladesh improves a design; it benefits recyclers in Brazil. Collective intelligence iterates faster than any corporation.
Circular Model
The model is deliberately non-commercial at the core: blueprints are free. But the ecosystem enables commercial activity at the edges through the Bazar marketplace.
Community Impact
Workspaces aren't just recycling facilities—they're community hubs. Koun in Morocco employs young people; Grameen Telecom created employment near Dhaka. Education programs change how communities think about waste.
Business Results
From one person in 2012 to 2,000+ workspaces in 56 countries. The €300,000 Famae Foundation grant funded Version 4 development.
Key Takeaway
Open-source isn't just for software. When you give away the blueprints, you don't lose control—you gain an army.
Founder Pathway
Best for makers, community organizers, anyone willing to learn fabrication
Recycling regulations vary by country; generally supportive environment