Western Sydney University research into reusing and recycling plastic waste awarded prestigious funding

A research team from Western Sydney University have received prestigious funding from the CSIRO for the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator Track I: Sustainable Materials for Global Challenges in 2023.

Professor Richard Yang from the University’s School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment is leading the research of fabrication, testing, characterisation, modelling, and optimal design of 3D printed recycled thermoplastics.

Professor Yang said 3D printing and its application to the circular economy, or full life cycle use, is critical to developing sustainable, zero-waste designs and manufacturing technologies that can generate positive long-term impact across the energy and infrastructure sectors as well as other essential functions.

“This is an exciting opportunity to develop better processes for utilising existing materials such as local plastic waste and establishing ways to repurpose and redesign this material to give it further longevity and create environmentally friendly practices,” said Professor Yang.

“This solution will advance current processes for manufacturing and using local plastics, with the overall aim to reduce waste significantly.”

The project is one of just two Australian projects that were awarded funding from CSIRO, joining 14 United States awardees in the NSF Convergence Accelerator announced on 19 December 2022.

“It is exciting to be involved, with everyone coming together to share new ideas and innovative approaches, with the opportunity to create change that can have a lasting impact on a global scale. This project is another direct commitment from Western Sydney University to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Professor Yang said.