Precious Plastic
Open hardware platform providing machines, tools, and knowledge for small-scale plastic recycling to create new products and 3D printing filament from waste.
- CEO / Founder
- Dave Hakkens
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $330K
- Latest Round
- Grant
- Key Investors
- Afri-Plastics Challenge; Ikea Foundation; GIZ; Famae award
Technology & Products
Key Products
Open-source recycling machines (shredder, extruder, injection, compression); Bazar marketplace for machines, parts, and recycled products; Community platform and business tools; Training and knowledge resources
Technological Advantage
Network effect from a global community (600+ organizations in 56 countries) and open-source designs that lower barriers to entry; no proprietary IP but strong brand recognition in sustainable recycling.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Enables local plastic recycling at low cost (avg. €11,000 per workspace investment) by providing open-source machine designs, a marketplace for parts/products, and community tools, reducing plastic waste and creating circular economy opportunities.
How They Differentiate
Open-source and community-driven vs. proprietary competitors; focuses on small-scale, local recycling with filament production for 3D printing, unlike large-scale industrial recyclers.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Independent recyclers, communities, small businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions
Industry Verticals
Recycling; Manufacturing; Education; Sustainability
Competitors
Felfil Evo; Commercial recycled plastic brands (e.g., Adidas via Parley); Impact Recycling
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Global impact in 2023: 1,100 organizations in 56 countries recycled 1,400,000 kg plastic, generated $3.7M revenue, employed 530 people, with 3,405 volunteers and 1,175 machines built.
Major Milestones
Founded in 2013 by Dave Hakkens; Launched Bazar marketplace in 2016; Reached 500+ workspaces globally by 2019; Secured $330,000 grant from Afri-Plastics Challenge in 2024; Version 5 development to professionalize tools and infrastructure
Notable Customers
Over 600 organizations globally (e.g., Precious Plastic workspaces in 56 countries); UNHCR refugee camps; Educational institutions (e.g., Concordia Precious Plastic Project)