Dutch designers convert algae into bioplastic for 3D printing
In the Netherlands, designers Eric Klarenbeek and Maartje Dros have developed an algae-based bioplastic that they hope to eventually use in a network of local 3D print shops.
“Our idea is that in the future there will be a shop on every street corner where you can ‘bake’ organic raw materials, just like fresh bread,” Klarenbeek tells Dezeen. “You won’t have to go to remote industrial estates to buy furniture and products from multinational chains. 3D printing will be the new craft and decentralized economy.”
The pair cultivates, dries and processes the local algae and have also created biopolymers from mycelium, potato starch and cocoa bean shells.
Together with US-based Ecovative, they have also developed a commercial line of do-it-yourself kits based on mycelium.
Dutch designers convert algae into bioplastic for 3D printing