SpecOptiBlend open source software + distributed recycling/ additive manufacturing plastic waste into low-cost custom 3D printing colors

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1079909

"3D-printable designs already exist, but now get broad spectrum of colors/ gradients... waste plastics quantified after processing for spectral reflectance, then Kubelka-Munk theory provides initial estimated color mixing... Nelder-Mead method gave optimal balance between precision of color differences and RMS, essential for producing high-quality colors... MyMiniFactory users saved >$4 million in 1 month making toys themselves... $250 desktop 3D printer earns 100% ROI making own, more if use recycled plastic"

Related:

Enhancing the sustainability of plastics using sulfur waste
https://phys.org/news/2025-04-sustainability-plastics-sulfur.html

Chemically unzipping plastic's its molecular chains at room temperature during recycling
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Tech-Breakthrough-Could-Upend-the-650-Billion-Plastics-Market.html

New approach to plastic recycling by Worcester Polytechnic Institute Chemical Engineering
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1114606

Shining a light on sustainable sulfur-rich polymers that stay recyclable
https://phys.org/news/2026-01-sustainable-sulfur-rich-polymers-stay.html

New chemi-mechanical process removes pigments and restores properties in recycled plastics
https://phys.org/news/2026-01-chemi-mechanical-pigments-properties-recycled.html