At Leafprints.3d, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. As a company focused on 3D-printed planters and home accessories, we take conscious steps to minimize waste, reduce our carbon footprint, and make thoughtful choices about materials and production methods.
Eco-Friendly Materials We prioritize the use of PLA (polylactic acid) for our prints whenever possible. PLA is a biodegradable material derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugarcane. While industrial composting facilities are required to break it down fully, it is still a more sustainable option than traditional plastics. We take it a step further by composting all of our PLA scraps and failed prints using a Lomi Countertop Composter, keeping waste out of landfills and turning it into useful compost.
Reducing Packaging Waste Our commitment to sustainability extends to the raw materials we source. Whenever possible, we purchase filament that comes on recyclable cardboard spools. These are either reused within our workspace or responsibly recycled. For the instances where we receive filament on plastic spools, we repurpose them as display stands or use them to respool shorter lengths of filament. These shorter filaments find new life in our “Last Meter” prints—unique multi-colored planters that ensure no material goes to waste. Additionally, the plastic bags that protect filament during shipping are collected and taken to recycling centers rather than discarded.
Responsible Equipment Use We are mindful of the impact of electronic waste and the resources required to manufacture new equipment. To minimize our footprint, we prioritize purchasing used or refurbished 3D printers, computers, and other essential devices whenever possible. This helps prevent the unnecessary disposal of electronics and reduces the demand for newly mined precious metals.
Energy Efficiency & Future Goals Looking ahead, we are working towards in-house recycling of PET bottles to create filament, giving plastic waste a second life in our products. We also hope to incorporate solar power into our production space, further reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Localized Production & Efficient Shipping Leafprints.3d operates in Lakewood, positioning us near a large portion of the U.S. market. This means shorter shipping distances, reducing fossil fuel consumption compared to products manufactured overseas. Additionally, we receive raw filament spools rather than shipping bulkier finished goods, cutting down on transportation emissions. Since we print each order as it comes in, we eliminate the need for a large warehouse, further reducing unnecessary energy consumption and waste.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement Sustainability isn’t a one-time initiative—it’s an ongoing process of improvement. We continuously explore new ways to enhance our environmental responsibility, whether through material choices, production efficiency, or waste reduction. Every decision we make is guided by our mission to provide high-quality, customizable products without compromising the health of our planet.
By choosing Leafprints.3d, you’re not just getting a unique, customizable product—you’re supporting a business that values sustainability at every step. If you have questions about our efforts or suggestions for how we can do even better, we’d love to hear from you!