Just how are our suppliers rPLA better for the planet than standard PLA?
It almost seems like an oxymoron often the thought that a 3D printed product could potentially have a positive impact on the planet. However, as our founder has a passion for the planet it was imperative that we only exercise more sustainable manufacturing compared to existing methods. One of our steps towards this goal was to enlist Filamentive as our supplier for 3D printed materials!
The Basics
PLA stands for Polyactic acid and is the most common material used in FDM manufacture (Fused Deposition Modelling). It is strong and durable and gives a great quality finish. PLA is biodegradable and is made from fermented plant starch from corn, cassava, maize, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp so that's a pretty good start!
However, the worst effect these have on the environment is the end of product life cycle of plastics, while PLA does biodegrade it can take a long time what leads to a lot of waste. Filamentive rPLA takes existing plastic waste and repurposes this in to usable printable material! This means that Filamentive take plastics which otherwise will be put in landfill or lost to the ocean and repurposes this waste in to a usable material which we in turn create a awesome new product to offer our customers! This in turn extends the life cycle of the otherwise waste material reducing its chance of going to landfill or anywhere it is not wanted!
Filamentive rPLA is made from approximately 87% recycled plastics, this number changes dependant on the colour but that's overall a high percentage! For other 3D printing needs they also offer rPETG and rABS amongst a wide range of other materials! For us there is no alternative, why create a new plastic when we can reuse existing!
Eco responsible 3D printing alliance
Filamentive also have the eco responsible 3D printing alliance set up which is a collaboration and commitment from its members to use high percentage recycled material plastics and reduce and not use plastic packaging where possible. The alliance is all about grouping together to do a small part for the planet!