Limpi: Transforming Beach Plastic into Sustainable Products Across the Caribbean

Tackling Plastic Waste in Curaçao

Mitchell Lammering and Debrah Nijdam are product design graduates from Curaçao. They saw plastic on the beaches and felt the need to act. They want to reduce plastic in the ocean. They use their design skills to change waste into useful items. They built a shredder and a small extruder by hand. With simple, home-made molds, they made coasters and keychains.

Evolving Design and Manufacturing Capabilities

Limpi’s work grows and the products need more detail. The team now designs molds with Autodesk Fusion. Fusion puts CAD and CAM close together on one screen. This helps them machine precise aluminum molds with CNC tools. They tweak plastic flow and mold details step by step. They later design a hydraulic injection machine in Fusion. This new machine replaces older, manual devices. It gives consistent pressure and lets them make more items.

Engaging the Public through Transparency

Limpi now works in a 500-square-meter facility at Curaçao’s Sambil Mall. The space is clear so everyone can see the process. Guests watch plastic turn into coasters, keychains, and more. The close view of each step connects the community to recycling work. It shows how every piece of plastic matters.

Collaborations with the Hospitality Industry

Limpi partners with big names like Marriott Resorts. They made over 400 wall art pieces with ocean themes. Designers use Fusion to move quickly from a 2D sketch to a 3D-printed mold. This process makes a final product in just days. Their method shows that close, clear work can be both quick and green.

Empowering Youth through Recycling Initiatives

Limpi joins the Future Goals program with the Sandals Foundation and Ajax Football Club. They turn recycled plastic into soccer goals and accessories for Caribbean schools. The project has taken 6,500 pounds of plastic—about 1.5 million bottle caps—and made over 70 goalposts. This work teaches youth and cares for the environment. Local governments and sponsors now help spread the idea to other islands.

Vision for Caribbean Sustainability

Limpi began small but now works to serve the whole region. They keep refining their machines and molds. Their plan is to use the same system on islands like Aruba, Bonaire, and St. Martin. Limpi aims to lead Caribbean recycling and show a clear way to a circular economy.

Key Takeaways:

• Limpi turns beach plastic waste into everyday items by solving early design challenges.
• Digital design and Fusion tools connect every step from idea to production.
• A transparent facility helps the community see recycling work live.
• Partnerships in hospitality show that green products can be made fast.
• Youth projects turn recycled plastics into tools for learning and play.
• Limpi plans to expand its sustainable methods throughout the Caribbean.

Limpi shows how clear, close design and sustainable work can fight plastic waste. Their work is an inspiring model for eco-friendly manufacturing in island communities.

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