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Sustainable is Beautiful: Eburo develops 3D printable alternative to ivory – Interview with Thaddäa Rath

The Austrian company Eburo specializes in the development and production of an innovative 3D-printable material designed as a sustainable alternative to ivory. Founded in 2022 by Thaddäa Rath and Sabine Bodner, the idea for Eburo originated from a university research project. The resulting material, called Digory®, combines the properties of ivory with the advantages of additive manufacturing. In an interview with 3Druck.com, co-founder Thaddäa Rath discusses the background of the project, the challenges of material development, and its diverse applications in art and design.

Eburo was founded with the vision of creating an eco-friendly, 3D-printable alternative to ivory to help end animal suffering. At the core of the company is Digory®—an innovative material that impressively replicates the properties of ivory, both visually and functionally. However, it is more than just a substitute: Digory® unlocks new creative and practical possibilities. Its applications range from exclusive jewelry and decorative objects to the demanding restoration of historical art pieces.

Sustainability is a key focus at Eburo. The founders aim not only to create environmentally friendly materials but also to raise awareness about the issues surrounding the ivory trade. Every product is crafted with a high standard of quality and attention to detail, blending modern technologies like 3D scanning and 3D printing with traditional craftsmanship.

Eburo positions itself as a pioneer in the field of eco-friendly materials. The company addresses a global issue while showcasing how technology, ethics, and design can seamlessly work together.

Interview with Thaddäa Rath

Thaddäa Rath, CEO and co-founder of Eburo, shares insights with 3Druck.com about the development of Digory®, the motivation behind the project, the challenges in material innovation, and its versatile applications in art, design, and restoration.

What inspired you to found Eburo, and how did the initial idea of a research project evolve into a concrete business concept?

Thaddäa Rath

The founding of Eburo GmbH was driven by the successful results of the project I worked on during my doctoral research. During this project, a material was developed that mimics the mechanical, optical, and tactile properties of ivory. What makes this material, called Digory® (short for “digital ivory”), remarkable is that it can be processed using additive manufacturing. This offers additional benefits such as design freedom, customization, and resource efficiency. Even during the project, I noticed significant public interest in Digory® because the ivory trade remains a global issue to this day.

I am also personally motivated by the interaction with our customers across different industries. Additionally, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for working with historical art objects. I find the craftsmanship behind these pieces fascinating and take great pride in contributing to their restoration and preservation.

What were the biggest challenges in developing Digory®?

The biggest challenge was selecting the right components. The material not only needs to look like ivory but must also replicate all its properties. Color, translucency, density, texture, aging, and workability—both during the printing process and manual finishing—must all be taken into account. Adjusting one component of the composition must not cause the overall property profile to deviate significantly.

Can you briefly explain the process of creating an object from Digory®? Which 3D printing process is used?

We use a specialized SLA process because it provides high resolution and a smooth surface. The process begins with a 3D model, which we create depending on the application—either by scanning an existing object or designing it with 3D software. Some customers are familiar with 3D printing and create the models themselves based on their needs. After printing, our Digory® products are finished with traditional craftsmanship techniques to achieve an authentic patina.

©Eburo

What is your vision for the future of Eburo and Digory®, and what role do you want to play as a member of AM Austria in advancing additive manufacturing?

Eburo GmbH, and particularly Digory®, highlights the aesthetic potential of 3D printing. It’s not just about beauty but also about carefully selecting materials and creating products that bring joy and add value. With Digory®, we replace ivory and open new applications and business opportunities for art and design through the combination of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship.

A key goal for us is also our ecological responsibility. By addressing the historic and tragic use of ivory as a biological resource, we aim to raise awareness of the need for sustainable resource use in general. With Digory®, we want to bring longevity back into today’s fast-paced world, because we believe that Sustainable is Beautiful.

For more information about Eburo, click here.


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