{"id":30,"date":"2020-10-28T02:46:59","date_gmt":"2020-10-28T02:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hotforest.enterprise.mtu.edu\/wordpress\/home\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T09:22:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T13:22:02","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/circularsolutions.enterprise.mtu.edu\/wordpress\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s New?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Crew 1 – Quincy Manufacturing Skateboard Waste Project<\/h3><\/div>


Crew 1 is currently prototyping the handles for the pickleball paddles created using the reclaimed maple veneer from Quincy Manufacturing. Through this process, Crew 1 is working toward a handle design that is comfortable, durable, and functional as well as sustainably sourced using the same reclaimed veneer as the rest of the paddle, demonstrating how locally recovered wood can be transformed into a high-performance product while diverting material from waste streams.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Crew 2 – Ghost House Farm Anaerobic Digester Project<\/h3><\/div>


Currently, Crew 2 is working on cost analyses for a pilot scale and mid-scale design that can offset the current footprint of propane used throughout the year in the hoop house. Crew 2 is also continuing to research these systems to better capture the current available feedstock as well as external local feedstocks available through built partnerships. Moving forward, the goal is to soon begin constructing the pilot scale biogas digester system to start converting the current agricultural waste into a sustainable greenhouse heating source. <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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For more information on Our Current projects<\/span><\/h3><\/div>
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Current Projects<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Project Highlight – The Ghost Comb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Last fall, the Circular Solutions Enterprise team had the opportunity to compete in the Biodesign Sprint, a fast-paced design challenge focused on developing innovative solutions, with this years theme for ocean futures. Our team spent the semester working with recovered fishing nets provided by a startup company, Helen of the Sea, and exploring how they could be transformed into usable 3D printing filament. From melting, griding, and extruding recycled polypropylene, to designing and prototyping our fish-shaped surf wax comb, the Ghost Comb, the experience pushed us to think creatively about how waste materials can be turned into functional, meaningful products. The sprint challenge gave us the chance to collaborate across disciplines, test recycling methods, and refine our design through hands-on experimentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were honored to receive Gold Medal recognition for our project, which reflected the creativity, effort, and teamwork that went into the sprint challenge. Beyond the award itself, the Biodesign Sprint was an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed us to learn new skills, work through real engineering challenges, and present our ideas in a competitive setting. It was especially meaningful to share the project with mentors, supporters, and collaborators who helped guide us throughout the process, and it highlighted the impact that interdisciplinary teamwork and community support can have in bringing sustainable ideas to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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