Our 3D printing company in Seattle has reported before on 3D printing’s emerging role in the world of sustainable power and renewable resources. These are encouraging developments, particularly if additive manufacturing is going to be the wave of the future. And, since much of 3D printing and rapid prototyping is done with plastics, it’s important to find a form of plastic that does not rely on our limited petroleum resources.
It is for this reason that a recent development from a team of researchers in Italy is so important. This team, from the Italian Institute of Technology in Genoa, recently announced that they succeeded in creating a plastic substance out of waste taken from edible vegetation. This vegetation, including spinach, cocoa pods, and rice husks, could be synthesized into a material very much akin to ABS plastic, and shows potential for use in 3D printing.
A lot of work and research needs to be done before this new material can be effectively employed as a printing material. However, many companies are recognizing the need for such materials. We all therefore look forward to further developments from Italy’s plastics industry.
