Tokyo Olympics Medal Ceremony Podiums 3D Printed Using Recycled Plastic

The various applications of additive manufacturing have become increasingly broad. For instance, 3D printing is now used in aeronautics, automotive, fashion, food, even in the world of sports. Now, for the first time in its history, additive manufacturing is coming to the Olympic and Paralympic Games! For this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Protect & Gamble, in partnership with the organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), developed 98 3D-printed podiums, the number planned for awarding medals to athletes. As part of the Tokyo 2020 Podium Project, each podium was manufactured using recycled plastic contributed by the public and recovered from the oceans.

Acclaimed designer Asao Tokolo, who is also behind the Tokyo 2020 emblems, created the 3D printed podiums to represent Japan, its traditions, and the values ​​of the Olympic Games. In fact, through the design and colors used, including the traditional indigo dye, Tokolo wanted to embody the evolution of Japan while he recalled the country’s history. The structures were printed from recycled plastic, a way of symbolizing the Olympic Games organizers’ commitment to the environment.

The podiums were 3D printed using recycled plastics. (Photo Credit: International Olympic Committee)

3D Printed Podiums Made From Recycled Plastic

To promote sustainable development, the podiums were made using recycled plastics. To do this, Procter & Gamble and the International Olympic Committee collected plastics from schools, stores, and offices. In addition, the Olympic partner has also recovered large amounts of plastic from the oceans, as part of the #CleanOceans program launched by UNEP (United Nations Environment Program). This recycling campaign focused on responsible consumption, recovered enough material to print the 98 structures. “Sustainability is at the heart of this effort, and P&G is proud to work with Tokyo 2020 and the IOC to demonstrate how consumers can participate in reducing plastic waste,” says Marc Pritchard, P&G Chief Brand Officer.