When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
The rate of plastics-based pollution flowing into the world's oceans has biologists, ecologists, environmentalists and many government agencies concerned. It is a complex conundrum: on the one hand, innumerous industries depend upon plastics – the material is essential to life-saving fields in medicine, safety equipment and others. On the other hand, there must be a better way to dispose of these leftovers than by dumping it in rivers and seas.
"Breakthroughs in bioplastics have the potential to provide sturdy, environmentally-friendly solutions."
Fortunately, there are viable solutions already available, and more are on the way. The ability and, more importantly, initiative to recycle plastic materials is a relatively new phenomenon. The EPA estimates that, while the overall recycling rate for plastics is only 9 percent, certain varieties reach upwards of 30 percent recycling rate. Plus, breakthroughs in bioplastics have the potential to provide sturdy, environmentally-friendly solutions.
The need for a better plastics strategy
While plastic recycling is a worldwide issue, it is the wealthier world powers that must step up in order to affect change, as struggling nations have more pressing matters on their agenda, according to Plastics News. Even then, there may be little that government agencies can do – instead, individuals have to take responsibility.
While plastic recycling is a worldwide issue, it is the wealthier world powers that must step up in order to affect change, as struggling nations have more pressing matters on their agenda, according to Plastics News. Even then, there may be little that government agencies can do – instead, individuals have to take responsibility.
Ted Siegler, a partner at DSM Environmental Services Inc., spoke at Plastics Recycling 2015 conference in Dallas on February 25 and shared his expertise.
"This is actually a pretty easy problem to solve," Siegler told his audience. "We all know how to collect plastic waste. We all know how to manage it. We all know how to recycle it. It's a question of funding a logical investment to bend this curve and make a difference."
As it stands, best estimates indicate between roughly 5 and 13 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year. It seems unlikely that even the most comprehensive of recycling initiatives will completely negate such a massive amount of waste. However, by altering the makeup of the plastics in use, researchers hope to create a material that will biodegrade and avoid damaging the environment.
Bioplastics could be the key to a sustainable future
Increasingly, individuals, communities and agencies are aware of the problems presented by traditional plastics. With the public behind them, teams of scientists are developing plant-based or synthetically-created plastics designed to break down in landfills or other natural settings, reported Live Science.
Increasingly, individuals, communities and agencies are aware of the problems presented by traditional plastics. With the public behind them, teams of scientists are developing plant-based or synthetically-created plastics designed to break down in landfills or other natural settings, reported Live Science.
This technology is not brand new. In Europe, the demand for bioplastics grows by 20 percent every year. Globally, that demand is expected to increase by 19 percent by 2017. In Finland, one company produces milk cartons that are 100 percent plant-based. Even the automotive industry has bioplastic applications: Mazda announced a bioplastic interior and exterior for its MX5 Miata, while Ford stated it would work with Heinz to develop plastics for car wiring and storage bins out of old tomato skins.
"From functional sports garments with enhanced breathability to fuel lines, bioplastics are constantly spreading into new markets," European Bioplastics chairman François de Bie said in a press release in December.
These steps are encouraging, but not without obstacles. All research takes time and money, and there is more inertia still behind carbon-based plastics than there is support for biodegradable plastics. This is where government agencies can make a difference. Case in point: The Obama Administration released a National Bioeconomy Blueprint in 2012 that pushes for more funding and better focus on research and development for the bioeconomy in the U.S.
Primarily, it is businesses that will step up to align with the blueprint. Some organizations are willing to pay a higher price for greener plastics, as it helps them promote sustainability through their brand and become part of a broader initiative that will likely only expand in coming years.
"Many people, including us, are very good at making expensive polymers that help us advance basic science but that are not economically all that viable," Marc Hillmyer, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Sustainable Polymers, told Live Science. "And so, what we're really trying to emphasize in the center, again with industrial input, is how do we do it economically?"
3D printing to be a part of biomaterial movement
In a new book, 3D Printing With Biomaterials, authors Ad van Wijk and Iris van Wijk describe the ways in which the two technologies can work together to overhaul the economy, reported Phys.org. One key example shows the successful construction of an entire 3D-printed house using plastics based off sugar beats. In total, the carbon footprint from materials was reduced by 60 percent.
In a new book, 3D Printing With Biomaterials, authors Ad van Wijk and Iris van Wijk describe the ways in which the two technologies can work together to overhaul the economy, reported Phys.org. One key example shows the successful construction of an entire 3D-printed house using plastics based off sugar beats. In total, the carbon footprint from materials was reduced by 60 percent.
By putting manufacturing power in the hands of the consumer through 3D printing, individuals would have more control over what they create and what it's made out of. Then, bioplastics can help entire communities shift away from carbon-dependent, fossil-fuel based materials, especially once they pass through analytical testing services.
"The material cycle can be closed by feeding the printer with filament based on biomaterials, such as bio-based plastics," explained van Wijk. "By doing so, we contribute to a sustainable and circular economy."
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