Volvo 3D Prints Seawall Tiles To Save Oceans from Plastic Pollution

The Swedish car manufacturer, Volvo has partnered with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and Reef Design Lab to develop the “Living Seawall”. This living seawall is in fact made up of 50 3D-printed tiles that mimic the root structure of native mangrove trees. This seawall was built in the Sydney Harbour and aims to promote marine biodiversity.

Oceans In Distress

Over the last 200 years Sydney’s coast has been steadily but surely converted to manmade seawall. This process of urbanisation has removed large sections of mangrove jungle. As a result, not only has the sight of the coast changed but the marine and coastal wildlife has steadily disappeared. Indeed, the effect has been disastrous since marine and coastal life has a direct effect on water quality. Many of the organisms feed on toxins, chemicals and particulate matter that are a result of human pollution.

The 3D printed tiles have been installed on an existing seawall structure in Sydney Harbour and researchers will monitor the results over the next 20 years as it should improve biodiversity and water quality. The structure of the tiles replicates the tree’s structure very precisely which should attract organisms without difficulty.