Future Links September 14th
Today our news roundup from the printing industry covers biodegradable printed electronics, a joint venture between Michelin and Five to advance metal 3D printing, new edible water bottles made of seaweed, strong predicted growth for anti-counterfeit packaging, 3D printed nanotubes to stimulate bone regrowth, a scientific journal dedicated to food packaging and Avery Dennison’s new sustainability goals.
Researchers develop biodegradable printed electronics
As disposable, interactive packaging and devices become increasingly popular, the amount of electronic waste rises. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology in Germany have now found a way to use gelatin and other compostable materials to make electronics that are functional but can be composted after their useful life has ended.
More at Printed Electronics World
Michelin and Five team up to develop metal 3D printers
It’s not exactly what one would expect from a tire manufacturer but Michelin has now formed a partnership with the engineering company Five to develop metal 3D printers. The new company formed by the joint venture will be called Fives Michelin Additive Solutions, and both Fives and Michelin will be equal 50% partners in the venture.
More at 3D Print
Edible water bottle wins UK-round of European sustainability award
Plastic water bottles pose an environmental problem if they are not recycled or reused. A British company has now developed an edible water bottle made of seaweed. The spherical packaging is biodegradable, hygienic and costs about one cent per unit to manufacture. It is made chiefly from calcium chloride and a seaweed derivative called sodium alginate.
More at The Guardian
Research predicts strong growth for anti-counterfeit food packaging
According to a new report by Allied Market Research, anti-counterfeit packaging for the food and beverage industry will grow 16 per cent a year between now and 2020. RFID tags and barcodes will experience the strongest increases; holograms will also continue to play a major role in the next five years.
More at Security Industry
3D printed carbon nanotubes can stimulate bone regrowth
3D bioprinting has made another breakthrough: Scientists have demonstrated that it is possible to bioprint structures that stimulate bone growth. A research group led by Prof. Maria Vallet-Regí at the faculty of Pharmacy-Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain) showed that by adding carbon nanotubes to a mix to create a 3D electrical network within the bone tissue, it is possible to stimulate bone cell regrowth.
More at 3D Printing Industry
Scientific journal dedicated to food packaging and shelf life
A scientific journal called ‘Food Packaging and Shelf Life’ caters to the needs of scientists, material scientists, food chemists and microbiologists in the area of food packaging and shelf life. The journal will mainly publish original research papers, review articles and short communications on a variety of topics including edible packaging, bioplastics, antimicrobial packaging and recycling, among others.
More at Elsevier
Avery Dennison sets new ambitious sustainability goals
Label manufacturer Avery Dennison has started several initiatives to further its commitment to sustainability. In its most recent sustainability report, the company has outlined its new ambitious goals. They include reducing its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by at least three percent every year between now and 2025.
More at Labels & Labeling