Council has voted to award $25,000 in funding to Godfrey Hirst and Deakin University to support a joint research project.
The project will determine if there is a viable alternative use for carpet manufacturing waste in large-scale 3D printing.
The concept involves taking carpet manufacturing waste, which typically goes to landfill, and recycling it by converting it into feeder stock for recycled 3D printing (also called additive manufacturing, LFAM – Large Format Additive Manufacturing).
If successful, it could divert hundreds of tonnes of waste and landfill into a viable and sustainable product with potential uses across many applications including the redevelopment of the iconic Baywalk and Barwon Heads Bollards.
Many of the 159 bollards were originally made from recycled wood re-purposed from historical pier timbers. After 30 years of additional prolonged exposure to coastal conditions, these historical wood timbers are close to the end of their expected life due to natural factors such as fungal infections, pests, and rot.
If the prototype currently in development is successful, it is possible that the decaying wooden bollards might be replaced with 3D printed bollards made of stronger, more durable, and lighter material.
Using recycled carpet waste for the next phase of the bollards builds on the original vision of repurposing materials and reflects another part of the City's manufacturing history.
Exploring ways to keep synthetic materials out of landfills contributes to the City and community's commitment to circular economy and waste reduction.
At the same time, the use of modern composite materials can prolong the lifespan of the bollards and reduce maintenance requirements.
The project is a partnership between the City of Greater Geelong, Deakin University, the Advanced Fibre Cluster, and Godfrey Hirst.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
We've been working very hard behind the scenes to get the next phase of the bollards up and going, and exploring innovative technology while we do it.This project ticks a lot of boxes for us - it reflects our city's rich history in manufacturing, it highlights where we are today in advanced manufacturing, and it contributes to the circular economy, and potentially reduces waste and landfill while preserving the legacy of our bollards that the community loves.
I will be following this research very closely, and I'm optimistic that this will provide exciting opportunities for local industry and create a viable future for the bollards for generations to come.
AFCG chief executive David Buchanan:
The Advanced Fibre Cluster Geelong is proud to support this iconic bollard project—working alongside our members to develop a durable, renewable solution that's built for Geelong and designed to last.
Godfrey Hirst Manufacturing Manager Aaron Dawson:
This research project represents a practical step forward in addressing one of the biggest challenges facing manufacturing today—how to keep valuable materials in use for longer.Exploring the potential to transform carpet manufacturing waste into durable, large-scale 3D printed products aligns strongly with our commitment to waste reduction and circular economy principles.
We're proud to collaborate locally in Geelong on a project that could deliver real environmental benefits while creating innovative, long-lasting infrastructure for the community.
