The Journey So Far…

 
 

In early 2018, a few engineering students at Monash University came across Dave Hakkens and his creation of Precious Plastic. These students then created Precious Plastic Monash.

Engineering and design students from Monash University, Australia are on a mission to build Precious Plastic recycling machines to engage the community about plastic pollution. Their first challenge is to integrate all four Dave Hakkens' machines into one compact, transportable unit. This is a documentary about the journey that they commenced in early 2018.

 
 
 

With a desire to engage and educate the wider community, the necessity for more portable machines was born. Therefore, the development of the integration unit begun.

Dave Hakkens created four machines with the different needs to recycle plastic in small scale and efficiently. His original designs had the machines in a 40 foot shipping container. For the needs of Precious Plastic Monash, this would not suffice. Therefore, 40 engineering and design students created the Integration Unit. This development from planning to fabrication lasted 6 months. On Monash Open Day, the integration unit was unveiled to the public. This drew a lot of attention from the Australian public, with ABC News doing a story about the development of Precious Plastic Monash.

 
 
 
 
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What A Journey It’s Been!

Through this national exposure, we were lucky enough to be invited to multiple schools and fairs to showcase the integration unit and educate the wider community on plastic recycling. We were invited to the Royal Melbourne and Seymour shows which we were able to engage with the community on a larger scale.

Whilst we were able to visit many different schools, fairs, expos and shows, we continued to develop best practices for manufacturing and maintaining and updating the machines where upgrades were needed. Upgrading and updating our best practices have allowed us to better ourselves when we attend engagement events. These developments allow us to run a smoother operation and give us better ways to educate and engage the wider community.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Towards The Future

Our team had a fantastic start in 2018 and has only continued to grow. We have since welcomed many new team members and farewelled old ones. These new students come from all years and disciplines but each share the same passion for reducing plastic pollution. Each fresh face brings a unique perspective and more creative ways for us to continue to develop and implement solutions to plastic pollution.