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The focus of the environmental service branch is on the use of technologies for the extraction, processing and use of natural resources. In this way the reduction of consumption and reuse of secondary raw materials are essential.
It is essential to integrate circular economy principles into the new manufacturing 3D Printing processes. The principles of circular economy are:
The current industrial application of 3DP is increasingly offering
circular production systems using recycled materials as input for
additive manufacturing processes.
The figure below shows the circular economy model, from the idea to the recycling of a part. It aims the extending of the life cycle of products and shows how additive manufacturing can significantly support this system.
Circular economy can be designed directly into the open business model and ideas of consumers can be more involved into the production processes. Additionally new profit opportunities can come from playing in new markets and cutting costs off with waste and energy reductions.
The closed-loop economy is based on the Cradle to Cradle principle, which describe the technical or biological cycle and how products can be recycled indefinitely. Based on this model, resource-efficient companies can appear dynamic, competitive and responsible in their environmental commitment.
This forms a solid fundament for competitions and grant applications where the AMiCE Alliance and its experts are available to provide advice and practical support. 1
To read a customized article for RTOs please open: Benefits of circular economy for RTOs
To read a customized article for Policy please open: Benefits of circular economy in Policy