Convergence of 3D printing with circular economy to improve the construction sustainability

Purpose – Three-dimensional (3D) printing (3DP), which builds objects layer by layer, has gained traction in the construction industry for its potential to reduce time, cost and waste while boosting productivity. The circular economy (CE) model, an alternative to the traditional linear economy, focuses on minimising waste and resource use by promoting disassembly, material reuse and recycling. By incorporating CE strategies, 3DP can manage waste more effectively, enhancing construction sustainability. However, there is a dearth of literature on this convergence. Hence, this study explores the convergence of 3DP with CE to improve sustainability in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach – This study employs a qualitative research approach with a survey strategy, incorporating an extensive literature review to establish a foundation in the research domain. Data collection was conducted using the Delphi technique, which involved three iterative rounds of semi-structured interviews with experts. The empirical data collected from the expert interviews were analysed using manual content analysis. Findings – The findings reveal 12 positive and 6 negative impacts of 3DP on sustainability, with 10 applicable CE strategies. Further, this study explores how to integrate CE strategies to manage the identified impacts and their level of influence. Key CE strategies such as designing out waste, waste-free production/waste management and BIM-based construction management were identified as highly influential across the sustainability pillars. Originality/value – This research makes a significant theoretical contribution by being one of the few studies integrating 3DP, CE and sustainability within the construction sector. It examines the key impacts of 3DP on the pillars of sustainability and proposes CE strategies to mitigate those impacts. By addressing this convergence, the study fills a notable gap in the existing body of literature while offering practical insights into minimising construction waste, cost and time, thereby promoting the development of a more sustainable and circular built environment.