Our Materials, and Why We Choose Them!
What we use:
We primarily print in PLA.
95% or more of our prints are PLA. The remainder are in ABS-like UV resin, and we are beginning use of TPU in moderation.
What is PLA?
PLA is polylactic acid and is commonly found in eco-friendly items that we offer.
It is most commonly made from corn, mostly grown in the USA. The starch is processed and ends up with similar properties of petroleum based plastics.
Why do we use PLA?
PLA looks a lot like regular plastic and performs in similar ways to plastic, but PLA is very different from plastic. PLA is fully compostable in commercial facilities, unlike plastic. PLA is a renewable resource since it’s made primarily out of corn.
Most plastics come from oil or petroleum. In many ways, oil is our most valuable resource. It is also a resource with many negative environmental and social impacts. Our products made from PLA allow you to choose products made from renewable resources such as plants rather than petroleum. Unlike non-renewable oil, plants can be grown over and over again. PLA materials plastics also have the additional benefit of being compostable after you use them. Composting is an opportunity to divert waste that would normally be sent to a landfill--through composting, you can create valuable nutrients in the soil for plants to grow again.
What about the energy the printers use?
Our Print Garden is located in a Solar Powered facility.
While we cannot completely emancipate from a carbon footprint in this regard, we have made strides to balance and remove as much emission as possible!
Recycling?!?!
Yep! Our primary source for PLA also recycles the materials directly, offering an even more sustainable solution.
Most of the materials we use (unless unavailable) are delivered on recycled cardboard spools, and are recycled to the greatest degree possible for the material.
When recycled options are not available, we partner with companies that offer carbon balancing, such as (but not limited to):
• You Print,We Plant - Makers that plant a tree for every roll of material sold.
• Recycled Cardboard Spools and Boxes - if the material itself cannot be recycled, the supporting material is!
• Sponsored project marine conservation organization Save Nemo & others!
• Supported Student Projects: Concordia Formula SAE ; Energy Resources Center STEM Scholars of UIC; EUROAVIA Napoli; and more!