# 3D Printed Roofing This Startup Provides Locally Sourced Roof Material in Developing Countries By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-11-12 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roof-material References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037129/3-d-printed-plastic-could-replace-not-very-good-corrugated-iron-roofs-in-the-developing-worl) & [resilientmodularsystems](http://resilientmodularsystems.com) This startup is trying to address the corrugated, non-insulated, rusty iron roofs prevalent in developing countries by using [3D printing technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tiny-house-lux) to provide different roof material. Resilient Modular Systems (RMS) is a social enterprise committed to using innovative modular aspects and hybrid composite materials in home-building in emerging markets. They are passionate not just about improving the quality of life in developing communities, but in reducing carbon emissions as well. Their 3D printed plastic roof material is part of the solution to roofing problems in the developing world. The second part is to use [modular systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-bv-system) to make it easily adaptable and repairable. The [brick system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cob-brick) can be made locally, using available materials that suit the area. This ensures there is less transportation and therefore more environmentally friendly. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **3D Printed Roofing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of 3D printing technology to provide alternative, locally sourced roof material in developing countries. - **Modular Home-building:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement innovative modular aspects and hybrid composite materials in home-building in emerging markets to improve the quality of life and reduce carbon emissions. - **Sustainable Construction:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Promote the use of environmentally friendly materials and modular systems for easily adaptable and repairable buildings in developing communities. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Construction:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate 3D printing technology and modular systems to revolutionize traditional construction methods and improve efficiency. - **Emerging Markets:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply modular home-building techniques and sustainable construction practices to address housing challenges and improve living conditions in emerging markets. - **Social Enterprises:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Support social enterprises in developing and implementing innovative solutions for roofing and housing problems in developing countries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fully Recyclable 3D-Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biohome3d.md) - [3D-Printed Sturdy Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cobod.md) - [Climate Relief Temporary Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/additive-manufacturing-homes-crisis.md) - [3D-Printed Canopy Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archaeological-complex-of-carmona.md) - [Sustainable Growth Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treesoil.md) - [Compact 3d-Printed Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-house-lux.md) - [3D-Printed Neighborhood Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolf-ranch.md) - [Inaugural 3D-Printed Social Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lnen.md) - [Fire-Safe 3d Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verovistas.md)