Is 3D printing a sustainable manufacturing method?

Yale University in the United States regularly publishes its “Journal of Industrial Ecology” in which the impact of the industry on the ecology is analysed, this year it has been focused on 3D printing. In collaboration with researchers from MIT and the University of Nottingham, they delved into existing studies. The conclusion about whether it is a sustainable manufacturing method is clear, we must moderate the enthusiasm generated by 3D printing with respect to its “spectacular” environmental impact. Taking into account all the components of additive manufacturing, from the use of raw materials to waste management.

Different environmental initiatives have been developed in regard to 3D printing that accelerate the recycling of plastic waste. We know some developments such as Precious Plastic, which develops recycling centers in different countries or Plast’if that seeks to recycle plastic waste from the offices. But is this enough?

Professor Tim Gutowski, who works in mechanical engineering at MIT, explains, however, that the quantitative analysis of the environmental performance of 3D printing is limited. Much of this study focuses solely on the energy used during production, rather than the impacts of raw material production, product use or waste management. To overcome this lack, Yale University, MIT and the University of Nottingham have carried out more studies.