3D printing and sustainability – new technologies for environmentally friendly manufacturing

UK company Batch.Works has announced a partnership with E3D to develop sustainable solutions in the field of additive manufacturing. Supported by a Smart Grant from Innovate UK, the project aims to set new standards for efficiency and environmental sustainability. Under the title “Accelerating Sustainable Additive Manufacturing Solutions”, the two companies are combining their expertise to drive forward innovative and scalable technologies.

At the heart of the collaboration is an AI-supported 3D printer developed by Batch.Works and equipped with components from E3D. This system promises significant advances in production efficiency and sustainability. Assembly costs are to be reduced by 70 percent and material consumption by 70 percent, while CO₂ emissions are to be cut by 85 percent. The printer was specially developed for local manufacturing processes and integrates a circular production philosophy.

Julien Vaissieres, CEO of Batch.Works, commented: “Our partnership with E3D represents a pivotal step forward in sustainable manufacturing. Together, we are pushing boundaries to set a new standard for efficiency and environmental responsibility in the 3D printing sector.”

A key aspect of the project is the Circular Manufacturing-as-a-Service (CMaaS) model, which is designed to repair, remanufacture and recycle printers and components. This concept supports the UK’s climate targets and demonstrates how manufacturing can be adapted to meet the demands of a greener economy.

James Haywood, Managing Director of E3D, added: “This collaboration is about more than innovation—it’s about making sustainability central to the way products are designed and manufactured. We’re excited to deliver solutions that not only meet the needs of today’s market but also pave the way for a more responsible future. This is one step further towards achieving our vision ‘to change the way humanity manufactures goods.”

The long-term goal of the partnership is to build the largest decentralized production network in the UK. With a focus on local manufacturing and cutting-edge technologies, the collaboration aims to make additive manufacturing more sustainable and efficient while strengthening the competitiveness of UK industry.