ValueBioMat Talks 3D Printing Biosourced Composites

Today, more and more companies are developing composite materials for additive manufacturing, enabling the design of lighter and stronger parts. However, these materials can have a negative impact on the environment as they are often made from a plastic matrix. That’s why Aalto University in Finland is conducting research to devise new sustainable bio-based polymer materials to replace conventional fossil-based plastics and composites. These new materials and their processing techniques will enable fully sustainable and circular 3D printing in the near future. We met with Jukka Seppälä, the professor who, together with the university’s additive manufacturing lab, is conducting research on this topic as part of the ValueBioMat project.

3DN: Could you briefly introduce yourself and your connection to 3D printing?

3DN: How was the ValueBioMat project born? What is its mission?

ValueBiomat’s mission is to promote sustainability through legislative and policy actions by developing appropriate frameworks that encourage developments in biomaterials production and services, proportionately regulate the protection of and access to industry data and design files, and support cooperation among stakeholders by developing new models of innovation and governance of business networks.