Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic

An EU funding programme supporting cooperation between remote and sparsely populated communities in the northernmost part of Europe on matters of shared interest. Together we turn ideas into sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life of people living in the NPA.
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The Interreg NPA programme supports cooperation between remote and sparsely populated communities in the northernmost part of Europe on matters of shared interest. Together we turn ideas into sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life of people living in the NPA.
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BIOPRINT

3D Printing with Bio-based Materials in a Circular Economy Context

What we do

An aspect of 3D printing is its capacity to fabricate replacement parts, thereby extending the lifespan of products and cultivating a culture of repair and longevity. The project strategy revolves around exploiting the transformative power of 3D printing technology and locally sourced bio-based materials to drive sustainable manufacturing. Ultimately, a main project that integrates 3D printing with locally sourced bio-based materials, creating the potential for a robust circular value chain across NPA countries. The project will conclude with the main project application.

The BIOPRINT preparatory project set the stage for a larger effort to build circular economies in remote Northern regions. The team explored how local, bio-based materials—like seaweed, tree bark, and wool waste—could be used for 3D printing.

Working with partners in Ireland and Finland, samples were collected and tested. Seaweed and bark were processed into granules and filaments, then trialled with 3D printers. Outer bark mixed with PLA showed the best strength, while seaweed and inner bark need further refinement. Wool also showed promise but requires more processing.

Along the way, strong partnerships were formed across research, industry, and community sectors. Based on early results, the project now aims to include concrete 3D printing, develop performance-boosting additives, and tap into agricultural and industrial by-products.

With these insights, the BIOPRINT team submitted a full proposal to bring the main project to life. The BIO-2-Print main project has been approved by the Interreg Monitoring Committee.

Project priority

Climate Change

Project period

Start

01.12.2023

End

30.11.2024

Lead Partner

Centria University of Applied Sciences

rathish.rajan@centria.fi

Partners

Munster Technological University

Project info

Objective

2.3 Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Total Budget

98.150,00 EUR

NPA Co-Financing

63.797,50 EUR

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