Wearetreed is a Czech-German company engaged in the development of original accessories. In its portfolio, for example, it has a wooden wireless charger, where the company planted a new tree for every one sold. After all, you found one seed in the package itself. Although the Treed honeycomb charger is a different product, it also respects ecological principles to the maximum: "sustainably, without plastics and with a positive influence".
We got our hands on a pre-production sample of the charger, so don't take this as a review, but rather as a longer-term experience with something that is just about to hit the market. With their new project, the creators did not only follow the path of original design, but also a unique method of production and the material used. It is therefore the first ever 3D printed charger to be launched on the market. At the same time, it is not plastic, but "starch".
Recycled PLA was chosen as the material for printing, which is originally made from corn starch and in this case has already been used once and reused into a new filament for 3D printing. Thanks to this method of production, the entire charger is based on the principles of a circular economy - when it reaches the end of its life, after removing its electronic components, you can safely throw the rest of it into the compost or throw it in the organic waste bin.
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Choose your look
You can match the color combination of the honeycomb, which the design of the charger refers to, according to your preferences. After all, the principle of its production on a 3D printer is directly tempting, so why not use it? The charger consists of four parts, each of which has a choice of six colors. If you multiply this between you, you will find that you can combine a total of 1 possible outcomes.
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The material is light and strong at the same time. As the designers themselves state, with each printed charger, the print gradually improves. You will find some burrs, but it is not harmful. The lower part is then screwed to the upper part. However, you can easily dismantle the present allen screws, that is, of course, when the charger has served you, with the fact that you will recycle it as much as possible. It's simply a great idea, especially if you use this compost to fertilize your tomatoes in the garden.
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Wireless charging is ensured by Qi technology, which can provide your device with up to 15 W of power, even for iPhones with MagSafe. The charger even contains magnets for them, but of course it also charges wireless headphones. There is a Quick Charge 3.0 standard and a USB-C connector. The base is 130 mm at its widest point, so it's not bulky, and even larger devices fit nicely on it. If you then choose flashier colors, which I highly recommend, you will simply love the contrast with the black surface of the display.
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Support the campaign
As written in the introduction, we had a pre-production sample to test because the charger is not yet on sale. The creators are currently running a crowdfunding Kickstarter campaign for it in order to raise enough funds to finance their project. If you support their efforts, you can purchase this recycled and recyclable charger for as little as EUR 40 (approx. CZK 980). Other discounted sets are also available. If enough funds are raised, global distribution will begin in December this year. Would that make an ideal Christmas gift for honey lovers?
It's not so hot with PLA composting. After more than a year in the compost, which goes through thermal composting cycles thanks to the regular supply of grass clippings and shuffling, a few test pieces did not disintegrate
And isn't a year too short? Then of course it depends on the amount of grass. If the compost consists only of it, it will certainly hinder the process.