Engineering with people: A participatory needs and feasibility study of a waste-based composite manufacturing project in Sri Lanka

The not-for-profit organization, Waste for Life (WFL) (wasteforlife.org) has worked for 10 years to support communities in the transformation of locally sourced fibers and waste plastics into low-cost and yet income-producing composite materials and products. Waste-based green composites are developed by mixing natural fibers with thermoplastics using a hot press that can be manufactured locally. The use of a simple technology and already-available materials makes a perfect combination for local groups to convert waste into useful products that they can sell at a higher price than waste alone. The aim of this study was to find out whether a waste-based composite manufacturing project is viable and useful to local groups in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. This chapter explores the practical feasibility of implementing a WFL project in Sri Lanka by analyzing the stakeholders and networks, availability of waste materials, funding sources, availability of technology, and potential products and markets. It provides a template for the studies that should be conducted before any such development project is undertaken.