Improving 3D printing sustainability in academic research: a PLA recycling initiative

Abstract

Integrating sustainability into a research laboratory and expanding this integration to a campus-wide initiative while promoting chemical education is a crucial challenge that scientists need to tackle for the current and future generations. Herein, we present an initiative for sustainable repurposing of three-dimensional (3D) printing waste materials made of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). First, we describe the methodology used to prepare recycled 3D printed filaments from 3D printed waste produced in our laboratory, from shredding to filament extrusion, including a detailed thermal and mechanical characterization to benchmark the properties of the resulting filament against a commercial one. Once this laboratory-scale protocol established, we describe how we implemented a circular, campus-wide initiative to repurpose 3D printed waste generated at the Université de Montréal (UdeM), Canada, and how we use this initiative as an educational tool to promote a responsible use of material among the students, researchers and members of the university. The residues are collected university-wide from research groups and digital fabrication space communities before being processed back into filaments suitable for 3D printing that are redistributed to the university community, providing a circular alternative for their future 3D prints. A website dedicated to the initiative allows us to educate the university community about PLA and to promote this initiative as an example of a solution to address the global material consumption issues. This initiative establishes a sustainable framework for the collection, recycling, and redistribution of 3D printing filaments, promoting a circular economy model within the university as well as contributing to educate the community on the responsible use of materials. We believe that sharing our journey toward promoting sustainability within our research community and beyond will inspire other researchers to promote such initiative within their own community.