Apparently the solution proposed by 3D Printlife is perfectly suited for desktop 3D printing’s mass market ambitions, as several of the largest online big box stores are already offering 3D Printlife products, with Walmart (May) and Target (mid-June) soon joining a growing list of vendors.
PLAying with the Big Boxes
ENVIRO is 100% pure ABS, made in the USA. The difference from other non-biodegradable ABS filament is that it is extruded with a bio-additive that allows the filament to break down to CO2 and methane in an energy re-capture landfill setting. This breakthrough filament has set the standard in “green” 3D printing when using ABS filament. 3D Printlife did not stop its eco-friendly forward thinking at just the filament either.
Back to the Earth
PLAyPHAb starts from PLA and enhances its polyester in order to provide the superior strength and durability of ABS. Although the exact blend may differ, this approach is not as entirely unique (colorFabb also uses PHA in some of its PLA): it is essential in strengthening the PLA while still allowing for the biodegradability of PLA. PLAyPHAb is also packaged in the same colorful 100% recycled cardboard spool allowing for zero carbon footprints.
3D Printlife’s claim, “Feel great about your prints. Feel great about your world,” apparently struck a chord with many users and, perhaps even more importantly, with retailers that will be strategic in 3D printing adoption by the larger public. Sure, it is still mostly a matter of long tail, for now, but it is already paying off. Perhaps the use of environmentally friendly filament will never have a huge impact on global CO2 emissions, but desktop 3D printing is just at the beginning of its evolution and it is better to pick up good habit from the start.