Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have been testing a plant-based additive to concrete that is 3D-printable and could improve structural strength. The material is called cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), and initial studies have shown that just 0.3% of it in a cement mixture results in a smooth flow for printing with fewer air bubbles, improving structural strength, as Interesting Engineering reported. “The improvements we saw on both printability and mechanical measures suggest that incorporating cellulose nanofibrils in commercial printable materials could lead to more resilient and eco-friendly construction practices sooner rather than later,” according to Osman E. Ozbulut, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, per the report. The use of 3D printing in building construction continues to be explored, as it can frequently rely on recycled materials, is more time- and cost-effective than traditional methods, and allows for highly customizable designs.