Exploring The Sustainable Realm of Zero Waste 3D Printed Designs

As we navigate through changing times, advanced technology continuously reshapes our world. Among these innovations, 3D printing stands as a pivotal force, revolutionising how we interact with and use technology. This three-dimensional printing process makes it easier for the creation of intricate designs and pioneers the repurposing of unwanted and discarded materials. The following list showcases exclusive 3D printed designs that inspire modern consumers and to support sustainability through innovative use of technology.

NAGAMI X ECOALF

Recycled Plastic 3D Studio

A studio interior in Spain was mindfully constructed entirely from 3D-printed recycled plastic. This impressive sustainable interior project was made possible by Nagami, a Spanish brand dedicated to sustainable circular design and architecture. They built this innovative space for the Ecoalf Store, a brand from Spain known for crafting environment friendly, sustainable, recycled fashion. The project repurposed almost 3.3 tonnes of disposable plastic waste, recycling it into a visually compelling store interior themed around ocean glaciers. This thematic design choice was aimed at creating awareness of climate change, with designs that evoke melting glaciers and ice, highlighting environmental concerns through architectural creativity.

(Image credit: Nagami - Ecoalf Recycled 3D Studio)

CYRC STUDIO

Post-Industrial Plastic Waste

Montréal-based studio Cyrc, is leading the way in conscious design for interior decor. This sustainable home decor brand uses advanced 3D printing techniques to create sculptural objects, repurposed from post-industrial plastics. Founders Guy Snover and Daniel Martinez design these bespoke pieces, which are made-to-order and manufactured on demand in limited collections, for a zero-waste process. Cyrc does not paint its products, instead, the diverse and vibrant colours of the products are the natural result of the recycled materials themselves. Working towards a circular economy, the brand encourages the return of end-of-life Cyrc products, which are then upcycled into new items. This zero-waste philosophy is followed by the label to make sure that nothing is sent to landfill, and all products can be returned to the studio to be given new life and continuously reused. This sustainable approach keeps products in circulation, minimising the environmental impact.

(Image credit: Cyrc Studio)

THE NEW RAW

Plastic Waste 3D Printing 

The New Raw is a Rotterdam-based design studio dedicated to repurposing discarded materials, particularly plastic waste, through sustainable technology to prevent items from ending up in landfills. Their craftsmanship consists of advanced 3D printing techniques and robotic technology to reuse plastic waste into reusable resources. Founded by architects Panos Sakkas and Foteini Setaki, the studio's vision is keen on building a circular economy by creating products that give discarded materials a second life through innovative technology. One of their unique creations is the 'Ermis' chair—a limited edition piece crafted from the studio's own 3D printing waste. This chair features a pastel colour gradient and is made using recycled plastic filaments, presenting the potential of upcycled materials in modern design.

(Image credit: The New Raw - Ermis Collection)

The New Raw's Zero Waste Lab in Greece, sponsored by Coca-Cola as part of their Zero Waste Future initiative, is an exclusive facility devoted to recycling plastic waste. Enhanced with robotic technology and 3D printing capabilities, the lab is a recycling center and also dedicated to providing an educational experience. Visitors are encouraged to bring household plastic waste for recycling, to promote environment well-being and community involvement. In 2019, the lab undertook a eco-friendly project, creating 3D printed plastic street furniture for public use in Greece to keeping discarded plastic waste in circulation and advancing sustainability.

(Image credit: The New Raw x Coca Cola - Zero Waste Lab)

INTERESTING TIMES GANG

Discarded Fishing Nets 

The Interesting Times Gang, a circular design studio based in Stockholm, Sweden, crafts innovative products using recycled resources, with creativity and advanced technology. In 2022, they introduced the Kelp Chair, a unique 3D-printed sculpture made from recycled discarded fishing nets and wooden fibers. This creation was an ode to protecting marine life and preserving the oceans. Designed for longevity, the Kelp Chair can be broken down after its maximum use and reused multiple times, creating an endless loop of sustainability. This environmentally friendly chair has garnered international recognition, winning the German Design Awards 2024 in the 'Excellent Product Design' category, for its innovative design and sustainable impact.

(Image credit: Interesting Times Gang - Kelp Chair Collection)

BIOMATTERS

Mycelium & Upcycled Industrial Waste

bioMATTERS is a biodesign studio based in New York, pioneering the use of 3D printing technology with environmentally conscious materials. The studio creates rare and unique 3D printed objects using upcycled materials and biodegradable mycelium, which grows in thread-like structures and is part of fungi. Their recent interior collection, named MYCO-CLAY, features clay bowls and vessels made of clay, upcycled industrial waste and algae mycelium. These vessels are bio-digitally designed using industrial waste. After the 3D printing process, the mycelium grows on the exterior of these vessels, gradually forming a natural, eco-friendly coating over one to two weeks.

(Image credit: bioMATTERS 3D Myco-Clay Collection)

SWAROVSKI DESIGNERS OF THE FUTURE

Rejected Swarovski Crystals

In 2017, at Design Miami/Basel, three innovative designers who were winners of the Swarovski Designers of the Future award showcased their creative use of upcycled materials. Each designer presented a unique technique to repurposing rejected Swarovski crystals. Jimenez Lai transformed these discarded crystals into upcycled terrazzo tiles. Marjan Van Aubel developed a solar technology panel, incorporating sustainable energy solutions. TAKT Project collaborated with Micron 3DP to create a series of 3D-printed items, like vases and candle holders, featuring intricate, textured patterns. This collaboration was born from a new vision for recycling non-qualified crystals, using advanced 3D printing technology with inventive design, pushing the boundaries of aesthetics and sustainability.

(Image credit: Design Miami/Basel, Swarovski Design Awards, TAKT Project x Micron 3DP)

The potential of upcycling and recycling through 3D technology is innovative and exceptionally transformative. When applied to sustainable purposes, this technology shows us the right way to leverage such advancements, to benefit our planet. Through experimenting with discarded materials, 3D printing helps keep these materials out of landfills and paves the way for future advancements to conserve resources and it opens up new possibilities for sustainable development in the world of design and beyond.