Circular economy and 3D printing in the healthcare sector.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In the last decades, 3D printing has demonstrated its potential across various sectors, including healthcare. However, there remains a notable gap in the integration of circular economy principles to recycle plastic waste into functional, high-quality 3D printing filaments, particularly in clinical settings. This work addresses this gap by exploring the sustainability of 3D printing in healthcare through the recycling of plastic waste into 3D printable filaments.

Methods

The process involves the collection, shredding, extrusion, and spooling of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) water bottle caps, collected from hospital setting. Key steps, such as extrusion and printing processes, were optimised, and the mechanical properties of the filament were thoroughly asses

SUBMITTER: Mansour NK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11983555 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature