Can a 3D Printable Bioplastic Help Us Further Increase Our Climate Action?

Instead of making computer housings from fossil fuel-based plastic,  Prime Computer uses recycled aluminium because it's recyclable and durable. Furthermore, its thermal properties allow our PCs to run on a lot less energy. Check out our Green IT products here!

Recently we’ve been investigating making a line of PCs with a 3D printed bioplastic housing, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned. It makes sense to investigate using a 3D printable bioplastic. This renewable plant-based material breaks down in industrial composters at 60 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, fossil fuel-based plastic is non-renewable and linked to an overwhelming list of negative consequences like microplastic residues in the oceans and fossil fuel extraction. As we wait for low carbon logistics, companies must look for ways to reduce transport in their supply chain. One possible way to tackle this is by using 3D printing to localise production and save on transportation. 3D printing is a lot more material efficient than other forms of manufacturing. It is referred to as additive manufacturing because it deposits small amounts of material, layer by layer, until it forms the whole shape. 

Traditional manufacturing processes like laser cutting and CNC milling are forms of subtractive manufacturing because they cut material away from a block or plate of material. Subtractive manufacturing results in a considerable amount of waste material, but usually, that can be recycled into new material. With 3D printing, there is also the opportunity to design parts with the same strength but half the weight, which could help reduce the energy needed to transport products. 3D printing can produce complex geometries which traditional manufacturing processes cannot achieve; this allows you to turn what was once solid material into a honeycomb or lattice structure, similar to the hollow bone structure of a bird.

Listen in to Fynn (Head of R&D) and me to learn more about the endless possibilities there are with Circular Modularity in the IT Industry. Learn more about the problem of E-Waste, and how what may be the solution 

By mimicking nature, we can manufacture parts with half the weight and the same strength as before. Lighter products mean lower transport emissions and less material use, which wouldn't be possible without 3D printing. If anyone has experience using 3D printers in a supply chain, please leave a comment, as we'd love to hear your insights. We're hoping 3D printing can help us reduce our impact (and yours) even further, and we'll share our journey with you.