ReBOOT uses lockdown to make PPE and complete plastic recycling project
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A LOCAL charity spent the coronavirus lockdown making vital Personal Protective Equipment and investigating methods of reducing pollution.
Greshop Industrial Estate-based recycler, ReBOOT, closed operations in March, leaving its manager, administrator and a development worker from a collaboration with Moray Reach Out (MRO) to deal with housekeeping and preparation for re-opening, alongside finalising an 18-month project looking into plastic recycling in the north-east.
ReBOOT manager Lee McGrath confirmed the Reach Out and ReBOOT (ROAR) project was funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Berry Burn Community Fund, Baxter’s and LEADER.
He said: "We are looking into how plastic can be transformed into new products through methods including plastic granulation and extrusion, compression moulding 3D printing and scanning, and creative upcycling.
"There are many opportunities for social enterprises in Moray to develop practical approaches to worldwide environmental issues. We plan to have an in-depth feasibility study complete by the end of the month."
ReBOOT have provided a recycling service to residents and businesses for over 20 years.
"It was a difficult decision to close all public facing operations," said Mr McGrath. "We had concerns over future financial viability and the lack of support we’ve become so used to offering the community.
"We focused on sourcing much-needed finance and then looked at what we could do to help with the Covid-19 crisis. We knew that it would be very difficult to offer the usual IT support and donations to the community so focused on using our 3D printer to support the production of PPE."
ReBOOT linked with Moray Makerspace - The T-Exchange and started printing for care homes and the NHS, using 3D printers to make face visors, mask adaptors and door dongles.
To date, ReBOOT have made over 600 items, adding to over 6200 items from Makerspace.
Local beneficiaries include Cathay Care Home, Wellside Court, Meadowlark Care Home, Forres Health and Care Centre, Varis Court, Clear Pharmacy and Boots Chemist. PPE is still available for collection from ReBOOT.
Financial support has come from the Berry Burn Community Fund - Covid-19 Emergency Fund, Finderne Development Trust, Rotary Forres and AES Solar but anyone can help by donating to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ppefacevisorsformoray
Mr McGrath said: "This shows how local and national funders can support voluntary, charitable and enterprising not-for-profit organisations in times of need.
"We are pleased to be part of this local approach to national emergencies and thank all the supporters involved in both these projects."
