The Hub’s Plastic and Waste Materials team participated in Climate Solutions Saturday at the Australian Museum on 15 March, 2025. The team set up a stall to showcase how innovative waste solutions can drive sustainability as part of the transition to a circular economy. The event transformed the museum into a hub of climate action and sustainable solutions through knowledge-sharing. It provided a valuable platform for showcasing the Hub's work in supporting remanufacturing and circular economy principles.
Demonstrating the Value of Waste
At the stall, the team demonstrated 3D printers in action with filament remanufactured from e-waste at Renew IT's Plastics Filament MICROfactorie. With several 3D printers running throughout the day, visitors saw firsthand how recovered materials could be transformed into functional and aesthetically pleasing products, such as lamp shades for lamps that had been salvaged by museum staff.
In addition to the live demonstrations, attendees were invited to engage in a hands-on activity using a handheld microscope to examine different waste materials and match them to scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. This interactive experience reinforced the idea that the materials in what is considered waste still hold value when processed correctly.
Engaging Conversations and Real-World Impact
Around 50 people stopped by the stall throughout the day, with many expressing interest in the work. Notable conversations included discussions with hobbyist 3D printers, some of whom were excited about the potential for using recycled filament in automotive part prototyping. They appreciated the remanufactured nature of the filament, especially given that prototyping often results in high material wastage.
Additionally, Hub leader Professor Veena Sahajwalla participated in the "Inspiring Visions / Practical Solutions" panel discussion. The event brought together trailblazers in energy, engineering and environmental sustainability. It aimed to showcase innovative and practical climate technologies and initiatives helping to build a more sustainable future.
Building Awareness of Circular Economy Principles
The Hub's participation at Climate Solutions Saturday reinforced a key Hub message: waste is a resource. By demonstrating practical applications of recycling and remanufacturing, the team showcased how discarded materials can have a second life, reducing landfill waste and encouraging a shift towards a circular economy.
The engagement and enthusiasm from attendees—whether sustainability advocates, industry professionals or casual visitors—highlight the growing interest in practical, scalable solutions to waste management. As the Hub continues its work, events like these play a crucial role in inspiring everyday Australians to rethink waste.
