Dinner is printed: is 3D technology the future of food? | Rethink

Summary

In Eindhoven, Holland, two university students have founded a company called 'Upprinting' that recycles food waste into high-end 3D printed food for restaurants. By blending waste with seasonings and using 3D printing technology, they aim to reduce the 1.3 billion tons of food waste worldwide. This innovative approach not only enhances the appeal of food but also has potential environmental benefits. Experts predict the 3D food printing market to be worth over half a billion dollars by 2023, with future possibilities including personalized food based on DNA.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The script discusses the potential of 3D printed food in the context of global food production and waste reduction.
• 👨‍🎓 Two university students, Vita Brooklyn and Elza Linda van Tol, founded a company called 'up printing' to address food waste issues.
• 🍽️ 'Up printing' turns wasted food into high-quality food products for high-end restaurants, offering a new life to what would otherwise be discarded.
• 🔄 The company blends food waste with seasonings, creating a paste that is then 3D printed, aiming to recycle a part of the 1.3 billion tons of food wasted annually.
• 🌐 The technology is being used in Europe, where about 20% of food is wasted, and globally where one-third of food is wasted.
• 🖨️ The food is 3D printed, baked, and dried, which not only gives it a new form but also a second life.
• 💰 The company 'byFloo' sells its 3D printers worldwide at a cost of 3900 euros, targeting restaurants, bakeries, and caterers.
• 🔮 Experts predict that the 3D food printing market will be worth over half a billion dollars by 2023.
• 🧬 The technology is being explored for personalized food production based on DNA, potentially creating foods tailored to individual health needs.
• 🍰 In Sweden, 3D printed food is set to be trialed in care homes, indicating its potential to improve diets for various demographics.
• 🌱 The script suggests that alternative protein sources like insects or algae could be transformed into more palatable forms through 3D printing.
• 🍴 The use of 3D printed food in restaurants is still in its early stages, currently serving as a marketing tool and a source of curiosity for diners.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the company 'Upprinting'?

Upprinting is a company formed by two university students that turns wasted food into high-end, luxurious food products for restaurants, aiming to reduce food waste.

How much food waste is produced worldwide annually, and what percentage of this does Upprinting address in Europe?

Worldwide, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted every year, with about 20% of food waste being addressed in Europe by companies like Upprinting.

What process does Upprinting use to transform food waste into edible products?

Upprinting blends food waste with seasonings for taste and turns it into a paste, which is then used for 3D printing the food. After printing, the food is baked and dried, giving it a second life.

What is the cost of a 3D printer from the company 'By Flow', and what is its current market?

A 3D printer from By Flow costs 3900 euros, and it is currently being sold worldwide, targeting restaurants, bakeries, and caterers as key clients.

What is the predicted value of the 3D food printing market by 2023?

Experts predict that the 3D food printing market will be worth over half a billion dollars by 2023.

What innovative ideas are being explored by Upprinting for the future of food production?

Upprinting is exploring ways to make food based on an individual's DNA, potentially allowing for personalized food that is good for one's body, different from others.

How does 3D printed food enhance the diets of specific groups like the young, obese, or elderly?

3D printed food can improve the appearance and edibility of healthy foods, making them more appealing to various groups, including the young, obese, or elderly, potentially enhancing their diets.

In what context is 3D printed food being trialed in Sweden by the end of the year mentioned in the script?

In Sweden, 3D printed food is being trialed in care homes by the end of the year mentioned in the script, aiming to provide more palatable and potentially healthier food options for the elderly.

What are the environmental benefits of using alternative protein sources like insects or algae in 3D printed food?

Using alternative protein sources such as insects or algae in 3D printed food is less damaging to the environment compared to traditional livestock, offering a more sustainable option.

How does the head chef at 'The Lounge' incorporate 3D printed food into their dishes?

The head chef at The Lounge uses 3D printed food as an additive to their dishes, providing an extra surprise element and enhancing the visual appeal of their creations.

What is the current stage of development for 3D printed food in the restaurant industry?

3D printed food is still in its early days in the restaurant industry, primarily being used for embellishments and marketing to attract curious customers.

What is the potential future outlook for the 3D food printing industry over the next five to ten years?

The 3D food printing industry is expected to grow and evolve, becoming an industry worth watching over the next five to ten years, with potential for scaling up and broader applications.