PLA ink

PLA ink

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I started my 3 dimentional exploration with 3D printing filaments made from polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is a bio plastic produced from renewable raw materials such as corn. However, it is only biodegradable under industrial composting conditions with controlled temperature, humidity and presence of micro-organism. It is a misconception that PLA is domestically compostable. My experience with PLA filaments made me appreciate how much meaning materials and processes carry and sustainability has now become the first thing I consider when sourcing a material.

For more details on the work click here.

For info, the alternative ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a thermoplastic polymer that is sourced from petroleum products which is not biodegradable: It comprises more robust materials that microbes like fungi and bacteria can’t break down into simpler molecules. So ABS plastic will end up in landfills unless it gets recycled.