# Recycled Plastic Olympic Podiums The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Podiums are Printed with Recycled Plastic By Josh Thompson-Persaud | Published 2021-06-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tokyo-2020-olympic-podium References: [insidethegames.biz](https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1108557/tokyo-2020-reveal-medal-podium-games) & [olympics](https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/games/sustainability/podium) The recently released Tokyo 2020 Olympic Podiums, launched in partnership with [Procter & Gamble](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olympic-village1), are constructed with 3D printed sustainable materials in a move toward environmentally friendly designs. The podiums, which were developed by Professor Tanaka Hiroya of Keio University, are printed using [recycled plastics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atlanta-airport-chairs) that were collected from over 2,000 locations around Japan. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Podiums highlight the iconic ringed symbol set in the center. The Olympic/[Paralympic symbol](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paralympic-games) is made from recycled aluminum repurposed from the temporary housing established after the major 2011 earthquake in Japan. The podium's textured 'ichimatsu moyo’ pattern pays homage to Japanese design and adds a layer of dimensionality. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, which were postponed due to the ongoing global pandemic, will run from July 23rd to August 8th, 2021. Image Credit: Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable 3D Printing:** The use of recycled plastics or other sustainable materials in 3D printing for various applications such as manufacturing of everyday items and construction of buildings and structures. - **Circular Economy:** The development of business models that promote the reuse, repair, and recycling of materials to minimize waste and promote sustainability. - **Green Packaging:** The use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials in packaging, such as biodegradable plastics and recycled paper-based packaging. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sports Equipment:** Opportunity to use sustainable materials in the manufacturing of sports equipment such as balls, rackets, and shoes. - **Architecture and Construction:** Incorporating sustainable materials and circular economy principles in the construction of buildings and structures. - **Consumer Packaged Goods:** Opportunity for consumer packaged goods companies to transition to eco-friendly and sustainable packaging materials. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Slick Steel Torches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-olympic-and-paralympic.md) - [Split-Surface Olympic Medals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milanocortina-medals.md) - [Fully Recycled Olympic Wear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycle-based-Olympic-polo.md) - [Upcycled Volleyball Trophies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volleyball-trophy.md) - [Inclusive Sports Torches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paris-2024-olympics-torch.md) - [Eiffel Tower-Embedded Medals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paris-2024.md) - [Carbon-Neutral Olympic Outfits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/official-outfit-for-team-china.md) - [Mountainous Milan Olympics Medals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olympic-medal-design.md) - [Sustainable Olympic Footwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivaia.md)