Project Mentor: Professor Eric Obeysekare, Computer Science and Engineering
Continuing Fellows:
Caroline Ronchini '27
Fernanda Sena '27
2025 Impact Fellows:
Fernanda Casas '27
Emily Esteves '28
David Jones '28
Hayley Pham '27
Atharv Rajeev '28
Project Description:
Every day, the Philippines uses over 163 million sachets, which are small, single-use plastic packets. Unfortunately, most of this plastic is rarely recycled, ending up in landfills, waterways, or the ocean. This results in growing environmental damage, health risks, and wasted potential.
PlasTech is transforming this challenge into an opportunity. Our team has developed an innovative 3D printing filament made from recycled sachet plastics, giving value to what was once considered waste. We’re also researching how to establish and upgrade micro-recycling facilities (known locally as Materials Recovery Facilities or MRFs) to efficiently collect and process post-consumer plastic. These facilities can empower communities by creating local income opportunities while helping to solve the country’s plastic pollution crisis.
As part of this project, you’ll have the chance to work on cutting-edge research and social innovation across disciplines, such as plastic and polymer characterization, supply chain and circular economy design, community-based sustainability initiatives, plastic upcycling and materials innovation, business model development and implementation, and research and technical writing.
We welcome students from all majors who are passionate about environmental sustainability, waste management, and creative problem-solving. Whether your strengths lie in engineering, social sciences, business, design, or communication, your perspective can make a difference in building a more sustainable future.
We welcome students from all majors who are passionate about environmental sustainability, waste management, and creative problem-solving. Whether your strengths lie in engineering, social sciences, business, design, or communication, your perspective can make a difference in building a more sustainable future.