RePET: Recycled PET Bottles as a New Frontier of Additive Manufacturing 

In an era where environmental sustainability and technological innovation must go hand in hand, a team from the University’s Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions (CGNIES) led by Mr. Mark Angelou Siega (also a part-time faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences Education), with the guidance of its director—Dr. Chosel Lawagon—is implementing a DOST-funded project that revolutionizes additive manufacturing by utilizing waste PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles as raw materials.

Officially entitled “RePET: Reinforced Waste PET bottle-derived 3D Printing Thermoplastic Filament with Carbon Nanomaterials from Durian Rinds,” the innovative approach aims to address environmental challenges while advancing additive manufacturing. The project is also being coordinated with its partner industry, Dauscon Technologies Inc., for implementation.

The Environmental Challenge of PET Bottles

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a widely used plastic, presents both advantages and drawbacks. Its durability, lightweight nature, and affordability make it ideal for beverage bottles. However, the sheer volume of PET usage has created environmental issues. Despite its recyclability, millions of tons of PET waste accumulate in landfills and oceans each year, posing risks to ecosystems and wildlife.

The RePET Project: Turning Waste PET Bottles into 3D Printing Filament 

The RePET project takes a bold approach to address the environmental challenges posed by PET bottles. By upcycling waste PET bottles, RePET aims to create a valuable resource for the additive manufacturing industry. Leveraging the inherent properties of PET, the project enhances its capabilities by incorporating carbon nanomaterials sourced from an unexpected origin: durian rinds. 

The Role of Durian Rinds

When eating Durian, the rinds are typically discarded as waste. By converting these rinds into valuable carbon nanomaterials, the RePET project addresses another factor of the waste problem, creating a sustainable loop that benefits both the environment and the economy.

Benefits and Potential Application 

Environmental Impact. By upcycling waste PET bottles and durian rinds, the project could help in the reduction of the volume of plastic and organic waste in landfills. This not only alleviates pollution but also conserves resources by reducing the need for virgin plastic production. 

Economic Advantages. The creation of high-value 3D printing filaments from waste materials opens new economic opportunities, particularly in regions burdened by plastic waste and durian rind disposal issues. 

Technological Advancements. The enhanced properties of the RePET filament make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from prototyping and manufacturing to educational tools and artistic endeavors. 

Ways Forward

The RePET project has implications that extend beyond waste reduction and improved 3D printing materials. It serves as an ideal for interdisciplinary research and innovative thinking driving sustainable development. By converting everyday waste into high-tech resources, RePET addresses environmental challenges and opens the path to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.  

The project represents a transformative approach to waste management and technological innovation. By combining PET bottle recycling with carbon nanomaterials from durian rinds, RePET pioneers a new frontier in 3D printing, demonstrating the potential of turning waste into valuable resources. The implementation of the project is in support of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure); No. 12 (Responsible Consumption; and Production) and No. 13 (Climate Action) 

The RePET Team is led by Mr. Mark Angelou M. Siega, with his team:
Research Assistants: Engr. Lizette A. Cañon
Project Staff: Engr. Karlo Isagani A. Mosqueda; Engr. Julius J. Rosalia