If you've ever bought a 3D printed product, you may have noticed "PLA" mentioned on the listing. But what exactly is PLA plastic, why do so many 3D printing companies use it, and is it really as eco-friendly as people claim? In this guide, we'll break it all down in plain English.
What Does PLA Stand For?
PLA stands for polylactic acid. Despite the scientific name, it's one of the most straightforward plastics to understand. Unlike conventional plastics, which are derived from petroleum (crude oil), PLA is made from renewable plant-based resources — most commonly corn starch or sugarcane.
The production process involves fermenting the plant sugars to create lactic acid, which is then polymerised into a solid plastic. The result is a versatile, durable material that can be moulded, extruded, and 3D printed into virtually any shape.
Why Yorkshire3D Uses PLA
At Yorkshire3D, every product we sell is printed in PLA. It's a deliberate choice, and here's why:
- It's plant-based: PLA is derived from renewable crops rather than fossil fuels, reducing our reliance on oil-based plastics.
- It's biodegradable: Under the right industrial composting conditions, PLA breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. It won't persist in landfill for centuries like traditional plastics.
- It prints beautifully: PLA produces crisp, clean prints with fine detail. It's the gold standard for FDM (fused deposition modelling) 3D printing.
- It's food-safe: PLA is approved for food contact in its raw form, making it suitable for items like cookie cutters and coasters.
- The colour range is outstanding: PLA is available in a vast spectrum of colours, which is why we can offer 38+ shades across our product range.
You can learn more about our commitment to sustainable production on our about page.
Is PLA Really Eco-Friendly?
This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it's significantly better than the alternatives, but it's not perfect.
The Good
- PLA production generates roughly 68% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional plastics like ABS or polystyrene.
- It's made from annually renewable resources rather than finite fossil fuels.
- It's non-toxic and doesn't release harmful fumes during printing (unlike ABS, which emits styrene vapours).
- Under industrial composting conditions (high heat, moisture, and microbial activity), PLA fully biodegrades within 60 to 180 days.
The Caveats
- PLA won't biodegrade quickly in a home compost bin or in landfill — it needs industrial composting facilities with sustained temperatures above 58 degrees Celsius.
- Growing the crops (corn, sugarcane) to produce PLA still requires land, water, and energy.
- Not all local councils accept PLA in their recycling streams, so it's worth checking your local facilities.
That said, PLA remains the most environmentally responsible plastic available for 3D printing. It's a meaningful step forward, even if it's not a complete solution to plastic waste.
How Does PLA Compare to Other 3D Printing Materials?
There are several plastics commonly used in 3D printing. Here's how PLA stacks up against the main alternatives:
PLA vs ABS
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the plastic used to make Lego bricks. It's tough and heat-resistant, but it's petroleum-based, emits unpleasant fumes during printing, and isn't biodegradable. PLA is safer to print with, better for the environment, and produces a superior surface finish.
PLA vs PETG
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified) is stronger than PLA and more resistant to heat and moisture. However, it's derived from petroleum and isn't biodegradable. For decorative items, gifts, and everyday accessories, PLA's print quality and eco credentials make it the better choice.
PLA vs Nylon
Nylon is extremely strong and flexible, making it ideal for mechanical parts and engineering prototypes. But it's expensive, tricky to print, and petroleum-based. For consumer products like keychains, bookmarks, and desk accessories, PLA offers more than enough strength at a fraction of the cost.
How Durable Is PLA?
One of the most common misconceptions about PLA is that because it's biodegradable, it must be fragile. In reality, PLA is remarkably sturdy for everyday use. Our keychains, bookmarks, and accessories are designed to withstand daily handling, drops, and general wear.
PLA's main vulnerability is sustained heat. At temperatures above about 55 to 60 degrees Celsius, PLA can soften and deform. This means you wouldn't want to leave a PLA product on a car dashboard in direct summer sunlight. For normal indoor and outdoor use, though, it's more than robust enough.
The Colour Advantage
One reason PLA is so popular for consumer products is its extraordinary colour range. Because PLA accepts pigments readily, manufacturers produce it in virtually every colour imaginable. At Yorkshire3D, we stock 38+ colours including pastels, brights, metallics, and classic shades.
This variety is a huge advantage for personalised products. Whether a customer wants a keychain in candy pink, a bookmark in midnight blue, or a desk tidy in forest green, we can deliver exactly what they're after.
What Happens When You're Done with a PLA Product?
If you no longer want a PLA item, you have a few options:
- Pass it on: PLA products are durable enough for a second life. Give it to a friend or donate it.
- Industrial composting: If your local council has an industrial composting facility, PLA can be processed there.
- General waste: As a last resort, PLA in landfill is still less harmful than petroleum-based plastics. It doesn't leach toxic chemicals into the soil.
The Bottom Line
PLA isn't a miracle material, but it's the most responsible choice available for 3D printing today. It's made from plants, it biodegrades under the right conditions, it prints beautifully, and it's safe for people and pets. That's why we use it exclusively at Yorkshire3D — because we believe you shouldn't have to choose between quality and sustainability.
Explore our full range of PLA-printed products and see the difference for yourself.