From 17 to 18 August 2026, the University of Guyana (UG), through the Guyana-PROMAR Output 2 Project, strengthened its technical capacity in digital fabrication, plastic recovery, and 3D printing through a two-day technical visit and hands-on training at ZapLab, Villa Zapakara, in Paramaribo, Suriname. The training gave PROMAR Output 2 team members Darshanie Chuniram and Akinyele Newton practical exposure to 3D printing technology, plastic processing, digital design, equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, forming part of ongoing efforts to explore innovative approaches to plastic waste recovery, reuse, and circular economy practices under the PROMAR Project.

Exploring Digital Fabrication and Innovation at ZapLab

ZapLab is a digital fabrication and innovation space associated with Villa Zapakara, providing practical access to technologies that support education, prototyping, creativity, innovation, and resource recovery. On the first day of the visit, participants toured the museum at Villa Zapakara before exploring ZapLab itself, led by Manager Räquel Martin-Zeegelaar and Supervisor Fabio Nojoredjo, with an overview of the facility provided by Director Coco Pramy-Duivenvoorde. Participants were introduced to a range of technologies, including a CO₂ laser cutter, diode laser, plastic shredder, heating press, 3D printers, and a digital embroidery machine, demonstrating how different tools can be integrated to support practical learning, prototyping, and innovative problem-solving.

Sharing Experiences and Exploring Regional Collaboration

The visit also created a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange between the ZapLab and Guyana-PROMAR teams. During the afternoon of the first day, the ZapLab team presented several of its ongoing projects, while the University of Guyana team shared information on the work and technical needs of the FEES laboratory, particularly as they relate to the PROMAR Project. This exchange allowed both teams to identify shared interests and explore future opportunities for collaboration in plastic recovery, digital fabrication, innovation, and education, with ZapLab's broader educational role, including weekly STEM training and after-school programming, further highlighting the potential for regional partnership.

Hands-On 3D Printing Training

The second day focused specifically on practical 3D printing skills. Participants were introduced to the core components of a 3D printer, followed by hands-on training in equipment operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. A key highlight of the training was hands-on exposure to the plastic shredder, demonstrating how recovered plastic materials can potentially be processed for reuse, an important, practical link between plastic waste management and digital fabrication. Participants then moved into the design and production stage, using Inkscape to prepare digital designs before using Anycubic Slicer to ready them for printing. Each participant independently designed and produced a keychain featuring FEES and PROMAR branding, taking the process from digital concept through to a finished 3D-printed product.

Supporting PROMAR's Circular Economy Objectives

This training directly supported the goals of the Guyana-PROMAR Project, particularly around plastic waste recovery, circular economy innovation, and technical capacity building. By combining plastic shredding with 3D printing, the training illustrated a practical pathway for transforming recovered plastic waste into useful, tangible products rather than treating it solely as waste. Participants strengthened their understanding of key technical skills, including digital fabrication equipment operation, plastic shredding and material recovery, 3D printer maintenance and troubleshooting, digital design, and the production of finished 3D-printed items, skills that can support the development of practical, locally relevant approaches to plastic waste management in Guyana.

Looking Toward Continued Regional Knowledge Exchange

The visit concluded with an exchange of appreciation between the Guyana-PROMAR and ZapLab teams, with ZapLab expressing interest in visiting Guyana to learn more about the University's filament-making process and equipment. Such an exchange could allow ZapLab to explore how filament production and plastic processing technologies might complement its own 3D printing activities, further underscoring the potential for continued collaboration between Guyana and Suriname in advancing plastic recovery, recycling, and circular economy innovation across the region.

Building Capacity for Future Innovation

The two-day training demonstrated that 3D printing can extend well beyond conventional digital fabrication, serving as part of a broader circular economy pathway when linked with plastic recovery and processing. For the University of Guyana's PROMAR activities, the knowledge gained at ZapLab provides a strong foundation for further exploration of recycled plastic applications, technical training, and the development of innovative products from recovered materials. The visit represents not only a valuable technical training opportunity, but also an important step toward strengthening regional knowledge exchange and building practical, sustainable solutions for plastic waste management across Guyana and Suriname.