The Top Sustainability Trends in 3D Printing for 2024

In the ever-evolving world of 3D printing, sustainability remains a pivotal concern. A recent LinkedIn poll asked an important question: "Which sustainability trend do you think is most crucial for 3D printing in 2024?" The responses reflect a diverse perspective on the future of eco-friendly practices in this dynamic industry. This articles delve into the results and what they could signify for 3D printing in 2024, and beyond.

Results

Recycling 3D Printing Waste: A Clear Priority

A resounding 50% of respondents identified the recycling of 3D printing waste as the most crucial sustainability trend. This points to an increased awareness about the environmental impact of 3D printing byproducts. As 3D printing continues to expand into various sectors – from manufacturing to healthcare – the waste generated can be significant, reportedly 33% of all 3D prints become waste.

When combined with research suggesting 70% of 3D printing waste is not being recycled, the problem of 3D printing waste and (the lack of) its' recycling is a clearly growing waste management challenge for the industry.

Focusing on recycling not only reduces the environmental footprint but also encourages a circular economy where waste is transformed back into usable material, helping to avoid high environmental impact methods such as landfill and incineration.

For more information on the practical solutions available to 3D printer operators to recycled 3D printing waste, please see this Filamentive blog post.

Truly Biodegradable Materials: Towards Circular Economy

Nearly a third of participants voted for truly biodegradable materials. This is in line with a 2023 poll and subsequent article which found that 42% of 3D printing users identified 'truly biodegradable materials' as the number one environmental challenge to solve.

The emphasis is on "truly" biodegradable, indicating a skepticism toward materials that claim to be eco-friendly but don’t fully decompose in a reasonable timeframe. Specifically, PLA, the most popular 3D printing material, is only biodegradable under industrial composting conditions.

Therefore, investment into the research and development of truly biodegradable materials - that would decompose in more accessible environments like soil / home compost and / or landfill environments - would enable 3D printing operators to have a practical route for biodegradation, possibly eliminating the aforementioned problem of 3D printing waste altogether.

Sustainable Spooling: Refill Filaments

The concept of a refill spool system garnered 13% of the votes. This idea is about reducing waste by refilling a filament MasterSpool - a proposed standard for filament supply, eliminating the need for the spool.

Often overlooked when it comes to 3D printing sustainability, it's crucial to note that empty spools potentially account for 20% of 3D printing waste.

All the way back in 2019, Filamentive explored the MasterSpool concept, ultimately deciding to keep 100% cardboard spools due to customer preference and manufacturing processes. However, the MasterSpool concept has gained more traction in recent months, most notably due to the rapid proliferation of Bambu Lab 3D printers and specifically, their Automatic Material Station (AMS) which is designed to accept master spools and therefore refill filaments.

In addition to compatibility, refills offer the benefit of eliminating hard-to-recycle plastic reels as well as providing 3D printing operators with storage efficiency.

Whilst the Bambu Lab printers and their AMS are incredibly popular, it's important to note that refills work with the majority of 3D printers and so hopefully an industry 'standard' can be adopted which can then be adopted by more filament manufacturers and brands.

More Recycled Filaments Not a Priority

The use of more recycled filaments was considered crucial by 9% of respondents. This approach not only reduces waste but also utilises existing plastic waste, turning it into a resource.

Possible reasons for recycled filaments being the least popular option could be due to quality concerns. Additionally, the limited availability and variety of recycled filaments compared to new ones may deter users. Furthermore, other sustainability trends, like recycling 3D printing waste and biodegradable materials, were clearly perceived as as more impactful.

There is also the important distinction between pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled material, which Filamentive explored in this blog post.

Conclusion

The results of this LinkedIn poll are a testament to the growing commitment within the 3D printing industry to embrace sustainable practices. As we look towards the future, it is evident that a multi-faceted approach – encompassing recycling, innovative materials, efficient resource usage, and quality in recycled products – will be pivotal in shaping a more sustainable and environmentally responsible 3D printing landscape.

Filamentive

Filamentive is a UK-leading filament brand specialising in sustainable materials.

You can read more about Filamentive's Commitment to Sustainability here.