PLA vs PETG Filament: Which One is More Environmentally Friendly
As 3D printing continues to grow in popularity, people are increasingly interested in the environmental impact of the materials used in the process. PLA and PETG are two of the most popular filaments used in 3D printing, and many people are trying to decide between them while considering environmental impact. In this article, we’ll take an unbiased and factual look at the environmental impact of these two filaments and determine which one is more environmentally friendly.
What is PLA Filament?
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a bioplastic made from renewable natural resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. It's one of the most popular and easy-to-use filaments in 3D printing. It’s biodegradable and can break down into organic compounds when exposed to the right environment such as industrial composting facilities.
What is PETG Filament?
PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a strong and durable material, making it a preferred choice for many 3D printing enthusiasts. It is created from petroleum-based materials and is not biodegradable in nature. However, it can be recycled and repurposed.
Environmental Impact Comparison
When it comes to comparing the environmental impact of PLA and PETG, there are a few factors to consider.
Biodegradability
While PLA filament is biodegradable, it can only be broken down under specific conditions, such as high temperatures of 140F (60C) or above. This means standard household composting is not sufficient to break down PLA in a reasonable timeframe, and it cannot be disposed of in the regular trash. Whereas PETG is not biodegradable, it can be recycled and reused.
Production
The production of both PETG and PLA filaments requires energy and produces CO2 emissions. However, the production of PLA emits fewer greenhouse gases (GHG) compared to petroleum-based materials like PETG. PLA filament’s production uses approximately 65% fewer fossil fuels than PETG, and it results in 32-45% fewer GHG emissions overall.
Disposal
When PLA filament reaches the end of its life cycle, it can be composted and returned to the earth. PETG, on the other hand, cannot be biodegraded and can only be recycled. Recycling PETG is not as efficient as recycling aluminum or glass and requires more energy to produce. However, this still provides a better environmental outcome than sending them to the landfill.
Conclusion
Both PLA and PETG have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to environmental impact. PLA is biodegradable, but it requires specific conditions for decomposition, and it cannot be recycled. PETG, on the other hand, cannot be biodegraded but it can be recycled multiple times. Based on these facts, however, PLA is more environmentally-friendly than PETG overall.
We hope this comparison helped you to make an informed decision for your next 3D printing project.