3D printing in the food industry: Recent progress and role in achieving sustainable development goals

Abstract

In this work, the efficacy of additive manufacturing in revolutionizing the food industry is explored as a contributor to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG) set out by the United Nations. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of 3D printing in the food industry by mapping it to the SDGs it can currently achieves. The study analyzes recent progress in additive manufacturing in various applications with emphasis on personalized nutrition, food waste utilization, and production of complex customized edible designs. This showcases the significant advantages the technology possesses compared to conventional routes of food production. In addition, limitations on the performance of the technology are discussed in order to reduce the gap between 3D printing and the market demand. Results confirmed that the technology had direct impact on SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 8, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, and SDG 17 and it is on track to achieve greenhouse gas emissions mitigation of 130.5–525.5 Mt by 2025. Despite mentioned advantages, further work is required to increase the sustainability of 3DFP.

Keywords

• 3D printing
• Food production
• Food waste utilization
• Customized shape fabrication
• Personalized nutrition
• Dysphagia patients