From Plants to Design: The Journey of PLA Filament

From Plants to Design: The Journey of PLA Filament

At OBJ STUDIO, each piece begins long before it reaches our printers. The story starts in the fields — with plants such as corn and sugarcane. These plants rise toward the sun, storing energy in their roots and stems. They form the base of a new way of making.

The Transformation of Plants into PLA

Starch is extracted from these renewable crops. The starch is broken down into sugars, then fermented by natural microbes. Through this process, lactic acid is created — a simple molecule with clear potential.

Lactic acid is linked into long chains, forming a bioplastic known as PLA (Polylactic Acid). Unlike fossil-based plastics, PLA comes from resources that grow back each season. It supports a more responsible path for production.

Turning Resin into Filament

Once the PLA resin is formed, it is melted and extruded into thin strands of filament. Each spool holds the stored energy of plants and the possibility of form.

In our printers, the filament is guided layer by layer into vessels, trays, and objects for the home. Technology meets intention as each piece takes shape with clarity and purpose.

Why PLA Matters

PLA is biobased and carries a lighter footprint than conventional plastics. Its production emits fewer greenhouse gases and uses less energy. With the right conditions, PLA can return to the earth through industrial composting — closing the loop between nature and design.

Design in Harmony with Nature

Each object we create with PLA reflects a clear idea: design can hold responsibility. A tray becomes part of a daily ritual. A vase becomes a place for memory. These pieces carry the cycle of nature while bringing calm function to the home.

 

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