Reflow's 3D Print Filament is Sourced from Impoverished Waste Pickers
Alyson Wyers — April 2, 2016 — Social Good
References: reflowfilament & betalist
This startup sells high quality 3D print filament that is environmentally sustainable, ethically sourced and affordable for consumers. Based in the Netherlands, Reflow is a community-focused company that recycles plastic bottles into 3D print filament.
They also collect the PET bottles from waste pickers in developing countries, multiplying their income 20-fold when the filament is resold in global markets. The plastic is then cleaned and shredded, turned into filament and tested for quality before it's delivered to your door.
25% of their profits are returned to waste-picking communities. Reflow's aim is to improve the daily lives of the 40 million waste pickers found internationally, who often only earn $1.50 a day and live in extreme poverty. The social business also hopes to foster a global socially conscious 3D printing community by doing so.
They also collect the PET bottles from waste pickers in developing countries, multiplying their income 20-fold when the filament is resold in global markets. The plastic is then cleaned and shredded, turned into filament and tested for quality before it's delivered to your door.
25% of their profits are returned to waste-picking communities. Reflow's aim is to improve the daily lives of the 40 million waste pickers found internationally, who often only earn $1.50 a day and live in extreme poverty. The social business also hopes to foster a global socially conscious 3D printing community by doing so.
Trend Themes
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Sustainable 3D Printing — Opportunity for companies to develop environmentally friendly and ethically sourced 3D print filament.
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Community-focused Recycling — Potential for businesses to create community-focused recycling initiatives for various products.
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Socially Conscious Business — Opportunity to build socially conscious businesses that contribute to improving the daily lives of marginalized communities.
Industry Implications
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3D Printing — Potential for disruptive innovation in the 3D printing industry to create sustainable and socially conscious solutions.
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Recycling — Opportunity for the recycling industry to focus on community engagement and partnerships in order to create positive social and environmental impact.
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Social Enterprise — Growing potential for social enterprises to address social and environmental issues while maintaining a profitable business model.
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