precious plastic proposes an eco-friendly method to manufacture your iPhone case at home

precious plastic project based in netherlands really cares about plastic recycling. aiming to minimize the environmental damage, the team created a method to make a do-it-yourself iPhone case.

the recycled iPhone case in use

founded by dave hakkens, precious plastic is specialized in encouraging people to create their own plastic recycling center, wherever they are based. sharing their knowledge, techniques, and tools with people all over the world, they established a community comprising hundreds of locations taking old plastic and turning it into new innovative products for the environmentally conscious consumer.

the machined mold and some of the cases created

having a 3D model of it done, the team ordered their CNC (computer numerical control) machined mold for the case through 3D hubs, the network of manufacturing services. after they received the mold, they brought it to perfection by hand and attached to their homemade injection molder. with one big push of the handle, the plastic pellets are pushed through the nozzle at the base forming into the shape of anything your mold is cut to, for instance an iPhone case. 

video by davehakkens

a selection of the recycled plastic parts by precious plastic

the mold

all 3 components of the mold

closeup of the mold and iPhone camera slot

iPhone mold being milled in greece by a precious plastic community member

waste plastic on a beach photographed by dave hakkens (founder of precious plastic)

a selection of recycling machines created by precious plastic

project info:

mold 3D model designer: jerry de vos

mold material: aluminum 6061

mold cost: 450 €

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom