3D Printing with Recycled Materials (2026-04)¶

The growing focus on environmental sustainability has led to the development of new technologies that can reduce human carbon footprint and waste generation. Waste can be transformed into secondary raw materials (SRM) for various applications, promoting the circular economy and industrial symbiosis. 3D printing, an additive manufacturing process, is an effective tool for sustainable manufacturing. The use of recycled materials in 3D printing improves the life cycle of the final product, reducing the dependence on primary resources and addressing challenges related to virgin material exploitation. This work aims to highlight the use of bio-waste and stone waste in 3D printing, as these materials are still not fully explored in additive manufacturing. This review identifies waste applications and technologies in 3D printing for the construction sector, assessing promising mixes and new solutions. 3D printing technology based on SRM offers significant prospects for enhancing efficiency and sustainability in the construction sector, facilitating the creation of cost-effective and resilient structures. This approach can play a pivotal role in advancing greener and circular construction practices, helping to reduce the overall environmental impact and promote the circular economy.