From Plants to Print: Our Filament Story
- Chloe Willis
- May 17
- 3 min read
When we first began our journey into 3D printing, it became clear early on that beyond the tinkering, the tweaking, and the inevitable learning curve with maintenance and machine settings, one decision mattered more than almost anything else: the choice of filament.
At the centre of our creations is PLA (polylactic acid) — a bioplastic made from plant-based resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. Unlike traditional fossil-based plastics, PLA is derived from renewable crops that absorb CO₂ as they grow. Not only that, but producing PLA takes significantly less energy, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions overall.
PLA is also compostable, although it's important to note that this typically requires industrial composting facilities. It won’t break down quickly in your home compost heap, and it doesn’t add much nutrition to the soil — but it’s still a big step forward in making our work more sustainable.
The Art and Science of Finding the Right White
A surprising amount of our early experimentation was dedicated to finding the perfect white filament for our original architectural models. We quickly learned that not all white PLA is created equal. Some are too glossy, others too grey or too brittle. We wanted something that would print beautifully and also show off fine architectural details with clarity and subtlety.
We used to post-process every print with a matte spray paint to achieve the perfect finish — one that would diffuse light gently and highlight the crisp shadows and clean lines we spend so long modelling. But that step added time and materials. Eventually, through trial and error, we found a filament that delivered just the right aesthetic straight from the printer — elegant, soft, and visually sharp.
Reliability Matters
Our models take hours — sometimes days — to print. There’s nothing quite so heartbreaking as a misprint six hours into a job. So we needed a filament that didn’t just look the part, but could perform consistently. It had to be strong, feed smoothly, and produce clean results every time.
The Sustainable Standout
After extensive testing, we found our perfect match: a 70% recycled PLA from UK-based supplier Filamentive. It ticks all the boxes — aesthetic, durability, reliability — but also offers something more. As customers of Filamentive, we’re part of a closed-loop system. That means we can send back failed prints, supports, and offcuts to be recycled into new filament, reducing plastic waste even further.
Playing with New Materials: Algae and Wood
Of course, we couldn’t resist exploring some of Filamentive’s more experimental filaments too. One of our favourites right now is Algae PLA. It’s a standard PLA blended with 5–10% algae-based bio-filler, which not only adds unique texture and a natural-looking hue, but also enhances the biodegradability of the final product.
There’s also the wood PLA, made with 40% recycled wood fibres. It prints with a texture and warmth that almost feels like you’re carving from soft balsa — brilliant for certain designs and definitely a conversation starter.
Why This Matters
By incorporating bio-based fillers like algae and wood into PLA, we're helping to push 3D printing towards a more sustainable future. These materials reduce the amount of plastic used and improve biodegradability, while also introducing intriguing textures and colours that give each print a unique character.
Sustainable, Stylish, and Made to Last
We’re passionate about creating pieces that not only look great but are made responsibly. Our models are designed to last — durable, finely detailed, and made with materials chosen for their minimal environmental impact. From waste reduction to closed-loop recycling, we’re honing every step of our process with care.
So whether you're commissioning a custom architectural model or simply admiring the craftsmanship, you can rest assured: sustainability isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of the design.
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