Minimizing extractivism through 3D printing with law and policy support

The concept of ‘extractivism’ refers to the mindset and processes that facilitate for-profit large-scale exploitation of natural resources. Extractivism has a strong connection with how the markets work in this era of factory mass-production. This article seeks to understand if and how 3D printing (3DP), guided by effective legislation and policy, could help reduce overproduction practices and minimize resource extraction, thereby limiting the consumeristic attitude on which the concept of extractivism is based. The research utilized scenario building, following a multiphased-qualitative approach involving literature review, an expert workshop, and two focus group interviews. The primary outcome includes four scenarios for the year 2032, which are from most-likely, normative, optimistic, and pessimistic perspectives. Since the normative scenario calls for action to reach a preferable future, further analysis involved mapping out the strategies for utilizing 3DP to reduce extractivism. The findings support positioning 3DP as a low-volume production tool for prolonging product lifecycle and material value, highlighting the strategic areas of ‘material circulation’ and ‘product upgrade and repair-reuse systems’. Key legal and policy actions that could support these approaches are also identified, which primarily pertain to the fields of IPR and environmental legislation. Four scenarios developed as part of the study (illustration by Amna Qureshi). Scenarios for 2032 linking 3D printing with extractivism (illustration by Amna Qureshi). • Developed scenarios for 2032 linking 3D printing (3DP) with extractivism. • 3DP as a low-volume production tool for prolonging product life and material value. • Material circulation, repair-reuse, and product upgrades ought to be prioritized. • 3DP stakeholders and EU legislators should collaboratively address bottlenecks. • Supportive actions primarily pertain to fields of IPR and environmental legislation.