The early 17th century the steam engine powered mechanisation heralded the 1st industrial revolution. The second industrial revolution riding on the perfection of the combustion engine came to light in the 19th century and by 1969 robotic and automated technologies advanced the fourth industrial revolution.

Today, the world bolstered by a slew of disruptive trends, inclusive of – big data, advanced analytics and intelligent systems, improved connectivity and relatively new forms of interaction between humans and machines – is heading to a new industrial phase, better known as Industry 4.0.

Five Oceans’ very own Luise and Felix know all too well the impact that plastic rubbish is having on our oceans. It all started when the duo took their innovative idea to Rusty Miller and Tricia Shantz to discuss their ideas on how to make surfboard fins out of ocean waste. Their philosophy is that you have to make the change as others will not do it for you. Rusty believes that despite many large businesses supporting recycling and reusing, we all could be doing more for the environment.Rusty knew that there would be a number of challenges along the way and sent them on a journey to find out if their idea was really possible. Three months later, they came back to Rusty with their first prototypes. This was ground breaking. They presented him, with the ecoFin.

Increasing fragmentation and demand for personalisation are leading manufacturers to seek inexpensive and speedy development, right from the prototyping stage. Allowing plastic injection moulding businesses and similar businesses to fulfil the true needs of their customers’ needs and wants.