I imagine all plastics will be out of the question. I’m wondering about what ways food packaging might become regulated to upcycling in the domestic or even commercial space. Assuming energy remains a $ scarce $ commodity I don’t imagine recycling glass will be super practical as a replacement. Do we move to more unpackaged goods and bring our own containers to fill at markets? Do we start running two way logistics chains where a more durable glass container is bought and returned to market? How do we achieve a lower energy state of normal in packaging goods?
Interesting, I was under the impression that clay was inert when ingested.
The transportation and dust would be lessened from the printing process if it were done by the individual, but if what you say is true, then the whole idea is worthless unless there’s an alternative material available.
Most clay is likely safe to ingest. However the willingness of customers to ingest clay may vary and the quantity of clay may impart a flavor on the product.
I’m also not sold on the printing process. Ceramic is strongest when the clay platelets are aligned and in a 3d printing process there are many layers. Each of the layers introduces a weak point that is likely to crack in drying or use. Ceramics already have quite efficient methods for production primarily slipcasting and extrusion. In these methods pieces are formed without “joins”.
I’m also not convinced printing it at home would be feasible for mass production/adoption.
That being said it is an interesting idea. I think you could probably make single use, unglazed, low-fire ware like Indian Bhar. Which could get recycled into aggregate. Firing adds emissions back into the process though and I’m not sure where that ranks compared to something with an existing supply chain like paper alternatives.
I am talking about though is SLA printing though- resin printing, but without the resin, basically.
Which is why I think its more feasible than just extrusion printing on principle. The layers are incredibly thin, with no extrusion involved, and no exposure to air until well after the layers are formed.