3D Printing using Apricot Cores: AMtopus

3D printing innovations seem to be occurring at a faster and faster rate. One of the most exciting innovations are the amount of new materials being developed for 3D printing. Recently however, we’ve seen chocolate, metal, wood, and more able to be printed. Now however, AMtopus, a German startup, have managed to make containers and other packaging from compostable raw materials. These raw materials include apricot cores – a superb, environmentally friendly solution.

Packaging: An Environmental Inefficiency

Packaging is one of the most wasteful areas of consumer goods. Often made of non-recyclable plastics, packaging is often thrown away right after purchasing. This leads to landfills filling up, in addition to the releasing of harmful chemicals. This is worst with fragile goods, such as goods that require large amounts of packaging. Though it helps protect your favourite goods, it is very harmful to the environment.

The printer creates models from these environmentally friendly powders.

Founded last summer in Chemnitz, AMtopus aims to reduce this damage. This is through their use of organic and bio-degradable materials in their packaging. An example is their use of apricot kernels – AMtopus can turn these into a 3D printable material for packaging. As the kernels cannot be used in fruit processing plants, they can be purchased very cheaply.