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The use of additive manufacturing (colloquially known as 3D printing) has exploded in recent years. Within the healthcare industry, the emerging uptake of additive manufacturing to produce medical devices and equipment was given a proverbial “shot in the arm” through the onset of COVID-19. Indeed, vulnerabilities in the traditional supply chains were emphasized as an immediate effect of the global response to COVID-19. As manufacturers turned to alternative methods of production, additive manufacturing became particularly relevant due to its agile nature and ability to instantly respond to changing markets and customer demand. However, the emerging uptake of additive manufacturing also exposes potential concerns regarding future safety and sustainability within the healthcare industry. This study draws on academic literature to discuss the potential complexities of using additive manufacturing within the healthcare industry. Specifically focusing on the creation of plastic waste during production and use, and how products (including durable medical devices and single-use equipment) are managed at end-of-life. It also investigates the use of circular economy principles (such as the use of bio-based materials) to promote responsible and sustainable growth of additive manufacturing within the industry, through the development of a “Circular Economy roadmap for research”.

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The Rise of 3D Printing in Healthcare and Implications for Future Plastic Waste: Constructing a Circular Economy Roadmap to Ensure Responsible Innovation

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Elen J. Parry,
  • Carly A. Fletcher,
  • Rhiannon Hunt,
  • Craig E. Banks

摘要

The use of additive manufacturing (colloquially known as 3D printing) has exploded in recent years. Within the healthcare industry, the emerging uptake of additive manufacturing to produce medical devices and equipment was given a proverbial “shot in the arm” through the onset of COVID-19. Indeed, vulnerabilities in the traditional supply chains were emphasized as an immediate effect of the global response to COVID-19. As manufacturers turned to alternative methods of production, additive manufacturing became particularly relevant due to its agile nature and ability to instantly respond to changing markets and customer demand. However, the emerging uptake of additive manufacturing also exposes potential concerns regarding future safety and sustainability within the healthcare industry. This study draws on academic literature to discuss the potential complexities of using additive manufacturing within the healthcare industry. Specifically focusing on the creation of plastic waste during production and use, and how products (including durable medical devices and single-use equipment) are managed at end-of-life. It also investigates the use of circular economy principles (such as the use of bio-based materials) to promote responsible and sustainable growth of additive manufacturing within the industry, through the development of a “Circular Economy roadmap for research”.