Community crafted
Date
July, 2024
Location
Rotterdam, Netherlands
After looking into the potential of biowaste, we've now turned to sourcing them locally. Collaborating with small businesses around us allows us to repurpose biowaste and strengthen our community ties. By collecting coffee husks from a local roaster, mussel shells from a local seafood restaurant, blue-green algae from a local producer, we’re finding new ways to enhance our 3D prints.
Coffee husks sourced from our local roaster, Schot, have proven to be a great addition to our printing substrate. Coffee husks are the dried skin of the bean that falls off during the roasting process. From roasting 1 kg of beans, you get about 0.20 kg of husks that are discarded as waste. When mixed with bioplastics, they contribute to the material strength, providing a robust and durable base. The subtle earthy hue they impart is an added benefit, creating a natural pigment.
The mussel shells sourced from our local seafood restaurant, Marseille, have opened up new avenues for us. When finely processed, these shells form a calcium-rich composite that boosts the structural integrity of our 3D prints. This material is not only stronger but also more resilient to wear and tear. Additionally, the natural sheen of the shells imparts an elegant finish, creating light-diffusing properties that add a unique visual depth to our designs.
Incorporating blue-green algae from our local producer, Alga Farm, has allowed us to explore the vibrant side of natural pigmentation. This algae provides a range of rich, deep colors, eliminating the need for synthetic dyes. The pigments derived from blue-green algae are entirely natural, ensuring our 3D prints remain non-toxic. Additionally, the biocompatible nature of algae contributes to the biodegradability of our designs.
As we continue to experiment with locally sourced biomaterials, we're discovering ways in which these resources can enhance our 3D printing capabilities. By collaborating with small businesses, we're not only collecting unique biomaterials but also fostering a more interconnected community. Our journey with local biomaterials is just beginning, and we’re looking forward to sharing the outcomes as we further integrate them into our designs.
