Green 3D Printing

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Discussion

Danielle Knowles:

"Most 3D printing materials are non-biodegradable. While the technology is undoubtedly incredible, it does produce additional waste. That’s changing, however, as new initiatives are born. The latest 3D printing advances are using different forms of existing plastic waste to create 3D printing filaments and pellets, making it a much greener option.

The Vancouver, Canada-based Plastic Bank works with developing nations which border seas to collect ocean plastic, recycle it and use it for 3D printing. At the same time, the Ethical Filament Foundation employs fair trade waste pickers in other developing countries to collect waste from throughout their regions to collect, recycle and reuse 3D print filament, and India’s Protoprint empowers waste pickers within their nation to collect rubbish and use it to make filament.

Beyond charitable initiatives, two manufacturers of 3D printers have created machines which specifically operate on green 3D printing materials such as filament, pellets or even raw waste. The Ekocycle Cube, backed by Coca-Cola and pop star Will.i.am, recycles plastic Coke bottles for 3D printing projects. And Sculptify’s David 3D printer, with flex technology, can print from different types of recycled plastic.

Not only do projects like Plastic Bank, Protoprint and the Ethical Filament Foundation help the planet by collecting waste and turning it into something useful, they also open up doors for the people who participate in their initiatives. Fair wages, training and employment give those who work with the organisations opportunities to develop valuable skills and gain meaningful employment, instead of just receiving “charity.” Citizens of developing nations are willing and able to work and have something important to contribute to society. These roles offer them the dignity, equality and chances they deserve, as opposed to the old-fashioned notion they should be pitied and given handouts.

In many cases, these 3D printing projects also provide the communities who collected, recycled and printed with waste the chance to benefit from what they’ve made. From parts for machinery and vehicles, to tools and prosthetic devices, the produce of green 3D printing can directly assist those who manufacture it." (http://blog.solopress.com/eco-friendly/green-printing/green-3d-printing/)