We know it is possible to make food using 3D printers, but what about 3D printing using food as materials, especially if these are compostable? This is probably the question that the Italian design studio Krill Design asked themselves . Indeed, the latter has launched a collection of furniture which are above all sustainable. Concretely, it is a 3D printing with recycled fruits, in particular orange peels. Krill Design is thus moving towards a completely ecological process, inspired by the team Ivan Calimani, Martina Lamperti and Yack di Maio, due to the recycling of paper, glass, plastic or other materials. There is therefore now a viable solution to use organic food waste, which in this case serves as a base material for 3D printed lamps, pen holders or even vases.
Ohmie, Metho and Hidee, these are the 3D printed products of Krill Design, which have even been recognized as Best Performer for services in the field of the circular economy and as an example of sustainability by the World Economic Forum. Ohmie, the lamp, was designed taking inspiration from nature, as evidenced by its appearance. Its surface is strongly reminiscent of the structure of an orange peel, as is its color. In addition, this is also noticeable in the smell which, according to Krill Design, takes us “on a journey through the senses” . The other products of the Italian company also clearly show the possibilities offered by 3D printing in terms of ecological footprint , since they too have been additively printed with orange peels.
Details of the additive process with orange peels
The products are compostable, sustainable and environmentally friendly, especially due to the material used. Krill Design's biomaterial, even patented under the name Rekrill Orange, is obtained from orange peel that is both velvety and resistant. This ecological collection is 100% biodegradable and one kilo of Rekrill Orange is therefore equivalent to a saving of one kilo of CO2. In order to be able to make this material, previously dried orange peel must be reduced to an extremely fine powder. However, care must be taken that the orange peels are completely dry, as moisture could appear. Next, a biopolymer plant starch base is added, and in the final step, the barks are compressed into granules suitable for 3D printing and ready to be processed by additive manufacturing .
In order to underline the sustainability of these products, the manufacturing method was chosen in a targeted manner, with a particularly high added value thanks to on-demand production. However, it is not known exactly which 3D printer is used in this case. The only limitation of 3D printed and composted parts is that they must be sent at the end of their life cycle to a composting facility, as they cannot be composted by nature due to their biopolymer coating. Nevertheless, this coating is essential, because it is the determining factor for the performance and durability of the products. If you want to know more about furniture from Krill Design, Click Here .
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