Our
Journey
What began with a single discarded bottle has grown into a medical student led mission combining recycling, education, and assistive technology. Here is how we got here, one milestone at a time.
The First Idea
A PET bottle sparked a question: Could everyday plastic waste be transformed into useful 3D printed objects.
Building the Team
Caleb shared this idea with friends and fellow premed students Carson and Nathan, beginning the collaboration that would grow into EcoPrint, LLC.
EcoPrint Is Founded
EcoPrint was officially founded, and Caleb and Carson built the Mark I, the project's first working bottle to filament system.
Sharing the Process
Caleb began combining the EcoPrint project with his passion for social media and content creation, documenting the process online. This side of EcoPrint has remained exclusively his.
Community Cleanups Begin
EcoPrint organized its first local cleanups, collecting discarded bottles for recycling and experimentation.
Growing the Team
EcoPrint expanded to six college friends united by sustainability, creativity, and curiosity.
10,000 Followers
EcoPrint reached 10,000 Instagram followers, marking its first major social media milestone.
First International Mission
Caleb, Carson, and Luke traveled to Guatemala through Saint Francis University's HUGS International Service program, distributing finger splints and toys printed from recycled bottles.
Developing the Mark II
Caleb independently designed and built the Mark II, improving the reliability and performance of EcoPrint's recycling system.
Partnering With Bambu Lab
Bambu Lab became EcoPrint's first major brand partner, beginning a relationship that continues today.
Researching Laboratory Waste Recycling
Three EcoPrint founders received a university research grant to investigate how plastic laboratory waste could be safely recovered and repurposed through additive manufacturing.
International Recognition
EcoPrint advanced into the top cohort of 100 collegiate entrepreneurs at the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization Global Pitch Competition, placing second in Tampa, Florida, and receiving $6,000.
A New Chapter
With graduation and medical school approaching, the original team stepped away, proud of everything it had accomplished. Caleb continued EcoPrint independently.
100,000 Followers
EcoPrint crossed 100,000 followers, showing that its community and message were continuing to grow.
Partnering With Recreator 3D
EcoPrint became an official Recreator 3D ambassador, collaborating around the Recreator 3D MK6 Fun Size, a more efficient bottle recycling system.
Beginning Our 4-H Collaboration
EcoPrint delivered its first 4-H presentation and educational demonstration, officially beginning a growing collaboration centered on recycling, STEM education, and community engagement.
500 Million Views
EcoPrint surpassed 500 million views and 200,000 followers across its social platforms.
Partnering With FIGS
EcoPrint partnered with FIGS while expanding its work at the intersection of medicine, education, and service.
Joining MakeGood
EcoPrint became MakeGood's student ambassador team for the DMV region, beginning a local mission to create free mobility and assistive devices for children and families in need.
Selecting Our First Mobility Recipient
EcoPrint selected Sibby as its first mobility device recipient. The team is now working toward completing and delivering her custom device.
Our First Device Delivered
On August 8, EcoPrint delivered its first completed mobility device to Sydney and her family, an incredible milestone for the whole team.
Community Cleanup With 4-H
A local recycling cleanup organized with 4-H, combining environmental service with hands on STEM education.
Expanding Into Prosthetics
Working with e-NABLE to explore 3D printed prosthetic hands and other accessible assistive devices.
Supporting Community Health
Jake is developing a Narcan education initiative with Howard University to provide training and overdose response resources to students and resident assistants.
Presenting at Ignite by 4-H
EcoPrint plans to present at the national Ignite by 4-H conference in Washington, D.C., expanding its collaboration with 4-H to a national audience.
Where We Are Today
EcoPrint now brings together recycling, medical education, 3D printing, and community service. What began with one discarded bottle has become a medical student led effort to create practical change at home and beyond. The next chapter is only beginning.