Fraunhofer FEP on the Verge to Biodegradable Electronics
If ecological awareness really is a topic, then the field of electronics is its supreme discipline – one which scientists
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New 3D-Printed Materials Help Develop Artificial Hands And Further Soft Robotics
What could a material that can heal itself, measure strain, temperature and even humidity be suitable for? The answer: robot hands and arms. At least, that's exactly the function the researchers had in mind when they managed to develop the very thing many had failed at before.
Continue ReadingHow Ink Manufacturers And Their Suppliers Are Working Together to Achieve Sustainability Goals
In the face of the impending consequences of climate change, many industries are facing the challenges of adapting production and their use of raw materials to the corresponding conditions. This dynamic is also being experienced by the printing industry. Raw material manufacturers in particular report that their ink customers are becoming increasingly familiar with sustainable approaches such as cradle-to-cradle product development. Companies' efforts to operate sustainably also stem from a key customer need for sustainability.
Continue ReadingSustainable Print Production with New Inks
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) and PURe inks Europe GmbH (PURe) have signed a Europe-wide collaboration agreement with the goal to make offset printing more sustainable. Meanwhile Ricoh in cooperation with equipment manufacturer Olbrich has developed its own plant-based ink to nurture sustainability in commercial and packaging printing.
Continue ReadingThe New Era of Sustainable Packaging: Cartons Can Be Recycled Over 25 Times!
The lifespan of a recycled carton is expected to be much shorter than it is. In fact, the latest study conducted by Graz University of Technology disproves the widely believed mythos. The recyclability of fiber-based packaging materials, such as paper, cardboard, cartons and folding boxes does not amount to only 4 to 7 recycling cycles. On the contrary, cartons can be recycled at least 25 times without losing their material integrity. This mind-blowing finding opens new eco-friendly opportunities for the packaging industry.
Continue ReadingShellac Ink For Applications in Sustainable Circuits
Unfortunately, successful does not always mean sustainable. The electronic waste becomes more and more from time to time, which is why a team of researchers have come up with a possible solution to this problem – an ink made from a combination of shellac and carbon. An invention that we at drupa definitely view as an exciting step for the printing industry.
Continue Reading“Planstic”: The Filament of the Future?
An environmentally friendly alternative to conventional PET has recently been developed in Hong Kong. It is a 3D printing material that can be dissolved almost completely if required. The filament, made from plant leaves and polymeric waste, is called "Planstic."
Continue Reading3D Printing Wooden Objects From Byproducts of The Wood Industry
Every time trees are cut down, byproducts are created. For a long time, they were regarded as pure waste, yet they could benefit the printing industry. Thinking outside the box, a possibility presents itself: Many trees could be saved, if wooden objects would be printed from byproducts.
Continue ReadingCovestro’s Biobased Polymer Makes Sustainable 3D Printing Possible
In an effort to provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic and create a greener future, the German materials manufacturer Covestro has teamed up with companies like JuggerBot 3D, TA Systems and DSM Additive Manufacturing. Together, they have created a new, more sustainable PA410 polymer and conducted an extensive Life Cycle Analysis.
Continue ReadingSmart Cups – “The World’s First Printed Beverage”
“A waterless beverage” sounds not only futuristic but also impossible. However, this is not the case for the innovative US company Smart Cups that has developed a drink with printed ingredients in the cup. This sustainability-driven technology could be a path to the future of beverages and much more.
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