Is 3D Printing a Step Towards a Greener Future?

Every fidget made by Fidgetiers is designed and 3D printed using PLA — a material that is very versatile that allows us to create the tactile tools that are both gentle on people and the planet. Each piece is crafted with purpose in mind by bringing together design and sustainability. But what exactly is PLA? And what makes the use of it so important?

What Is PLA?

PLA stands for polylactic acid, a type of bioplastic made from renewable plant materials such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cassava. Unlike traditional plastics — which come from fossil fuels — PLA starts life as a plant, not petroleum.

Here’s how it works:

1. Plants are harvested for their natural sugars.

2. Those sugars are fermented to make lactic acid.

3. The lactic acid is processed into long chains called polymers — creating a material that looks and feels like conventional plastic, but comes from plants.

PLA is now used in everything from 3D printing filament to eco-friendly packaging, cups, and eating utensils.

Environmental Benefits of PLA

• 1. Lower Carbon Footprint

  Because PLA comes from plants, its production can emit up to 60% fewer greenhouse gases than traditional plastic manufacturing. Every tonne of PLA represents a step away from fossil fuels and toward renewable carbon cycles.

  
  

• 2. Made From Renewable Resources

  PLA is derived from crops that can be regrown each year — not drilled from the ground. As plants grow, they absorb CO₂, offsetting part of the emissions produced when PLA is made or eventually composted.

  
  

• 3. Compostable

  Under industrial composting conditions — warm, moist environments with active microbes — PLA breaks down into water and carbon dioxide in around 2–3 months. That means no toxic residues, no lingering microplastics in the sea and no centuries-long pollution.

  
  

• 4. Cleaner End-of-Life Options

  When PLA does have to be incinerated, it burns cleanly — no chlorine, no heavy metals, just simple organic by-products. That’s a big improvement over petroleum plastics, which can release harmful chemicals when burned.

  
  

• 5. Encouraging Circular Thinking

  The rise of PLA has pushed forward new recycling and composting infrastructure. More companies and councils are exploring how to collect, process, and repurpose bioplastics — a key step in building a true circular economy.

The Honest Bit: PLA’s Limitations

At Fidgetiers, honesty about materials matter. PLA isn’t perfect, and it’s important to know where the challenges lie.

Needs the Right Composting Facilities

PLA won’t disappear in your home compost, landfill or recycling station. It needs a specialised facility with specific heat and humidity levels to break down properly.

Agricultural Impact

Since PLA comes from crops, it relies on farmland, water, and fertilizers. Responsible sourcing and efficient farming practices are key to ensuring PLA remains a net positive for the environment.

Cost and Scale

PLA can be more expensive to produce than standard plastics — though costs are coming down as demand grows and production improves.

Making PLA Work for a Sustainable Future

PLA’s benefits only shine when the full system supports it. Here’s how makers, consumers, and communities can help it reach its potential:

• Design with End-of-Life in Mind — Keep products mono-material so they’re easier to compost or recycle.

  
  

• Label Clearly — Let customers know how to dispose of PLA items correctly.

  
  

• Support Composting Infrastructure — Advocate for more industrial composting in your area.

  
  

• Encourage Take-Back Programs — Create circular systems that collect and reuse materials responsibly.

  
  

• Stay Curious — Materials evolve fast; keep learning, adapting, and choosing better options as they emerge.

Why This Matters to Us

At Fidgetiers, we 3D print all our fidgets using PLA — a sustainable material that lets us create vibrant, durable designs with care. It keeps our process responsible and affordable, without ever compromising on quality. You can explore our catalogue to see how each piece is brought to life.

We believe materials tell stories. Choosing the right ones helps build a world where creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. As a result we only use recyclable packaging, we keep all of our waste PLA to be recycled and we will also soon be launching, LOOP, a trade-in initiative where you can return any unwanted or broken fidgets made by us and we will recycle it responsibly.

PLA isn’t the final answer — but it’s a hopeful step in the right direction: a material that invites conversation, encourages better systems, and proves that innovation can be playful and planet-friendly.

Use the comments below to share your thoughts on this article, the impacts of using 3D printing and the impact that sustainable manufacture has on our environment.