EcoFlow

modular molds for candle holders from 3D printing scraps

“Over the past two years of owning and using a 3D printer for sketch models in my school projects, I’ve observed a significant amount of waste generated during the process.

Failed prints, support structures, and remnants of PLA—especially when printing multicolor models—accumulate rapidly, often without immediate disposal solutions.

This ongoing issue has led me to collect large bags of these discarded materials, prompting a critical question: how can this waste be repurposed meaningfully? This realization became the foundation of my project, as I sought to transform 3D printing waste from an environmental burden into a resource for sustainable, functional, and artistic designs.”

Growing 3D Printing Industry

The 3D printing market is rapidly expanding, with projections indicating a growth rate of over 23% by 2021 compared to 2016, reaching over $10 billion USD. This surge has led to increased plastic waste from failed prints, support structures, and excess material.

Hard to Decompose

PLA requires industrial composting conditions to degrade effectively, which standard landfill environments lack, leading to minimal degradation and prolonged environmental persistence, taking between 100 to 1,000 years or more to decompose, contributing to the growing volume of plastic waste.

Biodegradable Composition

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable polymer made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane.

Non-Toxic after heating

Safe to perform heat treatments at home in a well ventilated environment.

Limited Recycling Process

Limited by degradation during processing, which reduces the quality of recycled material, leading to a reliance on virgin materials and contributing to waste.

Natural Flowing Form

PLA melts around and drips onto surfaces, creating organic shapes

These shapes combine flowing movement with structural integrity after cooling

Color Blending Effect

PLA color blends when melting two colors of PLA simultaneously

Heat-resistant and flexible

Allows for easy separation of cooled PLA without damaging the mold or the shape

Optimal Tempurature

between 380–395°F for melting PLA

PLA achieves the right viscosity for controlled fluidity, allowing it to flow and drip without becoming too thin or brittle

Reuse and Waste Reduction

Repurposing PLA aligns with the principles of reducing waste and promoting sustainability. By transforming discarded PLA into functional and decorative objects, this design extends the material’s lifespan, maximizing the utility of an otherwise discarded material.

Reuse and Waste Reduction

Reuse and Waste Reduction

Two Product Lines:

“Maximizing material reuse and making the project both accessible and transformative”

Modular Molds

Engage DIY enthusiasts and makers who enjoy creating their own designs by providing a hands-on experience that fosters an understanding of material reuse and encourages eco-conscious behavior

Pre-Made Candle Holders

Serve as an easy entry point into the concept of sustainability

Appeal to a broader audience, including individuals who may not be inclined toward DIY, potentially sparking curiosity about sustainability

Growing Sustainable Home Decor Market

The global sustainable home décor market was valued at $331.0 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $556.3 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2022 to 2031.

Growing DIY Market

The global DIY home improvement market was valued at $848.20 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $1,278.00 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.37% from 2022 to 2030.