How Sustainable Is 3D Printing, Really?

What Is 3D Printing?
3D printing originated in the 1980s, initially used for rapid prototyping. Today, it's integral in sectors like construction, fashion, medicine and aerospace. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing, which removes material from a larger block, additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer, reducing material waste.

The Environmental Benefits
One of the key advantages of 3D printing is its potential to minimise waste. Traditional manufacturing often generates substantial material offcuts, whereas 3D printing uses only what’s needed — potentially cutting waste by up to 90%. 

This approach also allows for localised production, reducing the need for long-distance transport and the associated carbon emissions. By supporting on-demand manufacturing, it helps to avoid overproduction and lowers storage requirements. 

The versatility of 3D printing makes it a valuable tool for supporting sustainability goals across industries: 

• Construction: Companies are experimenting with 3D-printed homes made from eco-friendly materials, reducing both construction waste and costs. 

• Medical: Customised prosthetics and implants can be produced efficiently, minimising material use while improving patient outcomes. 

• Fashion: Designers are exploring made-to-order garments, helping to reduce overproduction and textile waste. 

• Automotive: Startups like Divergent Technologies are developing 3D-printed car components, aiming to cut vehicle weight and manufacturing emissions. 

However, the sustainability of 3D printing is closely tied to the materials used. Polylactic acid (PLA), derived from renewable sources like corn starch, is a popular biodegradable filament — though its biodegradability is limited to specific industrial conditions and it may still contribute to microplastic pollution. 

Innovative solutions are emerging to improve material sustainability. For example, UK-based Fishy Filaments recycles discarded fishing nets into high-quality nylon for 3D printing, helping to tackle ocean plastic waste and reduce the use of virgin plastics. 

The Environmental Downsides
While 3D printing can offer more energy-efficient production than traditional methods, the process still requires significant energy — particularly for heating. Some filaments, when heated, also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles, which can affect indoor air quality. 

Mitigating these emissions involves using lower-emission materials, optimising printing temperatures, and ensuring good ventilation or using enclosed printers with proper filtration systems. 

Despite its potential, 3D printing faces several sustainability challenges: 

• Material limitations: Not all filaments are recyclable or biodegradable, and recycling infrastructure for these materials is still developing. 

• Energy consumption: High energy use during the printing process can offset environmental benefits if not carefully managed. 

• Emissions: VOCs and particle emissions remain an issue that requires attention to ensure safer, more sustainable operations. 

Our Perspective at Scarlet Destiny
3D printing holds real promise for advancing sustainability in manufacturing — from reducing waste to enabling local production and supporting innovative solutions across industries. But to fully unlock these benefits, challenges around material choices, energy consumption, and emissions need to be addressed. 

At Scarlet Destiny, we believe in exploring technologies that align with our mission of environmental responsibility. As 3D printing continues to evolve, it will remain firmly on our radar for future opportunities that support our ethos of conscious innovation. 

Sources: wired.com and sustainly.com