Check out the reusable water bottles we're sponsoring for the Carter Work Project 2025! This sponsorship aligns perfectly with our mission to explore the potential of using recycled plastic for 3D printing.
The bottles come in two colors: ReCreateIt Blue and Habitat Green. On one side of the bottle, you'll find the ReCreateIt logo in black. On the other side of the bottle, you will find an Austin, Texas 2025 graphic in blue or green.
Turning Bottles into Research Material
Our goal with this sponsorship is simple: at the end of the Carter Work Project 2025, if the volunteers decide not to keep their water bottles, they'll have the option to donate them back to us at a designated collection site. And we can use them as 3D printing material for testing purposes, to help us learn more about this plastic type.
The water bottles are made from Type 2 plastic, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). It is a material that we don't have a lot of experience to print with, but we think it has great potential. So far, we have been primarily using Type 5 Polypropylene (PP) as printing material, since that's what we receive most often in donations. However, Type 2 HDPE is the second most common type of plastic in donations, and is very commonly used in bottles and bins that often end up in the trash. Giving this material more attention and research feels like the right next step.
Design and Sustainability Details
We chose the frosty white bottles to minimize complications during testing, since colored plastics tend to contain more additives. They are also BPA-free, making them safer and less likely to release harmful chemicals during test printing process. The blue, green and black accent colors are ones that we have successfully tested before, and they tend to blend well with transparent/frosty materials. Every design choice was made to ensure the highest possible success rate for testing.
Inside the event swag bag, you'll find a tag attached to your water bottle. The first note on the tag asks you not to put stickers on the bottle. This is because we want the test sample to be as less contaminated as possible. Any residue from stickers may make the bottle disqualified as 3D printing material.
The tag itself is printed by GreenerPrinter, a company we admire for their commitment to sustainability. Like us, they are actively working to reduce environmental pollution. They source their paper from New Leaf Paper, a business that produces exclusively recycled paper. They also use soy and vegetable based inks, and purchase renewable energy from a local provider. GreenerPrinter continuously refines its processes to be as non-toxic and eco-friendly as possible.
Shared Goals and Lasting Impact
We're thrilled to collaborate with like-minded organizations, businesses and individuals to further reduce our impact on the environment. By donating your water bottle back to us, you'll be supporting our research on using Type 2 plastic for 3D printing and giving the material a new life.
Of course, we'll be just as happy if you decide to keep and use your water bottle and use it. It's a great reminder of our common goal to lead sustainable lifestyles and provide affordable homes for people. Besides, It's pretty cute too!
