Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed the capability to use recycled glass in 3D-printing, opening doors to a more environmentally sustainable construction industry.
Glass is one material that can be 100 per cent recycled with no reduction in quality, yet it is one of the least recycled waste types.
According to the latest data by the National Environment Agency of Singapore, only 13 per cent of the 74,000 tonnes of glass waste generated in the country was recycled in 2021. Glass is made up of silicon dioxide, or silica, which is a major component of sand and, therefore, it offers significant untapped potential to be recycled into other products.
At the same time, growing populations, urbanisation and infrastructure development have led to a sand shortage, with climate scientists calling it one of the greatest sustainability challenges of the 21st century.
Using recycled glass as a replacement for...