Reiten Cheng and Swaleh Owais have recently being awarded the James Dyson Award which is an award designated for young inventors for designing a machine that can convert plastic water bottles into 3D printer filament. That filament can then be used to manufacture a whole array of products.
The invention may especially valuable in the third world where factory-made filament is especially expensive due to complicated delivery logistics whereas discarded plastic water bottles are plentiful and easily available.
The technology of this sort is likely the best way to improve the ecological situation - technology that turns waste into a valuable raw material. Kudos to Cheng and Owais for a job well done.
References
Machine Recycles Plastic Bottles into 3D Printer Filament–And the Design was Released, Instead of Patented
Good News Network, 20 November 2022