Could Paper Be the Answer to More Sustainable 3D Printing?

There are already a large number of projects that have used additive manufacturing to ensure a more sustainable and environmentally friendly existence. Now, a research group at the Technical University of Hamburg (TUHH) led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claus Emmelmann has turned to answering the question of what egg cartons or paper and sustainable 3D printing have in common. The answer is found in their project, called “Green 3D Printing,” which focuses on the production of more sustainable prototypes and models.

As a rule, plastics are used in 3D printing for the fabrication of prototypes and also models. However, since not all of the materials used come from a sustainable origin and are often disposed of after their use as prototypes, this creates waste. Considering that plastic waste is a growing problem worldwide, with 85% of the 40 million tons of municipal plastic waste generated in the U.S, going to landfill sites, the researchers at TUHH chose a more resource-conserving and environmentally friendly alternative with paper fiber materials.

Specifically the “Green 3D Printing” project is targeting printing with paper fiber materials. This papier-mâché-like material can be produced from egg cartons. The goal is to find out if it will be useful in the future as a 3D printing material. The project, which is being funded with money from the “Calls for Transfer” program of the Science Authority, a total sum of €26,300, focuses specifically on sustainability.