Muscat – Three-dimensional printing is revolutionising the manufacturing industry but the use of plastic to make products is a factor that takes the sheen out of this futuristic technology. Bringing a change and further revolution to the technology in Oman is a group of students from Dohat al Adab School in Muscat that has produced biodegradable filaments, the raw material used in 3D printing, from waste organic materials and bioplastics.

The students have formed a company called ECOF and shown that innovation, with the right dose of ecological responsibility, can be used for one’s own benefit as well as the good of society.

The student company won the first place in the National Olympiad for Innovations organised by the Ministry of Education and will participate in a global competition being held in the United States in May.

ECOF consists of eight students – Shadher Abdulsalam al Kharousi, Maryam Wahb al Rahbiya, Wassan Saif al Habsi, Arwa Saif al Khasibi, Quds Salim al Maskari, Habiba al Nabhani, Dana Ibrahim al Barashdi and Fatima bu Bakr al Rawahi.

According to Eman Ali al Rahbiya, supervisor of ECOF, the idea for the product emerged from the widespread use of 3D printers leading to growing demand for plastic filaments, and a prevailing opportunity in the Middle East region owing to the fact that most companies import filaments from China and other countries, for which customers are paying a higher price.

Talking of the challenges ECOF faced, she said the company received no financial support from the competent authorities. “We did not even receive support to access adequate laboratories and had difficulty researching the product in the initial stage.”

The company is currently working on an integrated production line to manufacture the product, which will provide jobs and support the national economy.

Eman emphasised the importance of information and communication technology and artificial intelligence in promoting innovation.