Sustainability in Additive Manufacturing: Challenges, Opportunities, and Training for Ecodesign and Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract

This chapter explores the sustainability aspects of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, focusing on environmental, economic, and social perspectives. It examines ecodesign tools and life cycle analysis (LCA) methodologies tailored to AM to promote resource efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. The study emphasizes the transformative potential of AM for on-demand, decentralized production, enabled by design flexibility and accessibility. Particular attention is given to material extrusion technologies (MEX), discussing their capabilities in reducing material waste, enabling localized production, and producing complex, high-performance components aligned with sustainability goals. However, comprehensive LCAs are critical to fully understand and mitigate environmental impacts across the entire lifecycle. By integrating digital technologies and advancing sustainable practices, AM has significant potential to drive sustainable development. Nonetheless, developing accessible tools and guides for ecodesign in AM remains essential for empowering users and enhancing environmental performance.