MIT unveils 3D printer that turns food scraps into household items

Researchers at MIT have developed the FOODres.AI Printer, a novel 3D printer that transforms food waste—such as banana peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and flower stems—into useful household items like coffee mugs, coasters, and small bowls. The process begins with users photographing their food scraps via a companion app that employs AI-powered image recognition to identify the waste type. The app then suggests printable object designs, and the printer converts the food waste into a bioplastic paste with natural additives. Using a heated extruder system, the printer shapes the paste into the selected item, making the technology accessible even to those without prior 3D printing experience. This innovation addresses the significant environmental issue of food waste, which in the U.S. amounted to 66 million tons in 2019, much of which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when sent to landfills. By enabling households and communities to repurpose scraps into functional goods, the FOODres.AI Printer promotes a circular