Circular economy enabled by additive manufacturing: potential opportunities and key sustainability aspects

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is also seen as a powerful enabler of circular economy (CE), which aims at reducing resource consumption while boosting business opportunities. No waste production and reduced physical inventories are just few examples of how AM could positively contribute to CE goal. This paper aims at, firstly, exploring what CE strategies can be enabled by AM, and secondly, providing examples of key sustainability aspects to be considered in early design of AM-enabled CE strategies.