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‘Nawa’ is a design research and fabrication project that bridges the gap between agriculture and the built environment by transforming waste into valuable resources. The project leverages date seed composite material for 3D printing applications.
The name ‘Repit’ is a play on the word ‘repeat’, symbolizing a shift from traditionally used thermoplastic filaments to a composite material. It aims to address the pressing concern of environmental impact caused by standard thermoplastic filaments by replacing them with plastic-free filaments made from waste date seeds.
To manufacture this sustainable material, the Nawa team sources date seeds from their farms in Oman during the Al Qaidh harvesting season. These waste date seeds are then crushed and mixed with natural Omani clay and palm fibers, which collectively form a variation of a traditional water-resistant lime mortar known as Sarooj. This ancient composite has been used in Oman for construction for centuries, aligning the project with local heritage and sustainable design.
While ‘Repit’ is still in the early stages of developing the date-based filament, Nawa, the project’s initiator, aims to make it compatible with any fused-deposition modeling 3D printer. This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce the industry’s reliance on plastics and promote environmentally responsible practices. By substituting plastic with date seed composites, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, supporting a circular economy, and diverting substantial amounts of waste from landfills.
As Nawa continues to refine and expand this plastic-free filament technology, it sets an inspiring precedent for sustainable materials in the 3D printing industry. Moreover, the innovative use of date seeds reflects the Arab tradition of hospitality, where dates symbolize generosity, positioning Nawa at the forefront of sustainable design.
