Washington State researchers develop 3D plastic composite using coffee grounds

In Washington state, plastic composite made partly from waste coffee grounds is a tough but environmentally friendly material for 3D printing, according to new Washington State University research.

The work could lead to new applications for 3D printing as well as make better use of waste materials. Reporting in the journal, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, the researchers found that their material, made from up to 20 percent coffee waste, had a more than 400 percent increase in toughness over pure poly‑lactic acid (PLA), the type of plastic that is most commonly used in 3D printing.