Apply for MAST-P Support

Michigan manufacturers: Access capital and support services through the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MASTP) and position your business for the future of mobility.

The Battery Show North America

OCTOBER 12-15, 2026, Huntington Place, Detroit, MI

Automation Alley Trade Missions

Your Gateway to New, High-Growth Markets.

Join Project DIAMOnD Academy

Register for the Integr8 2026 Series

3D Printing and the Environmental Impact of Manufacturing

by | Dec 5, 2022

Summary

Additive manufacturing via 3D printing provides less waste, reduced energy consumption and more space efficiency in comparison to traditional manufacturing. Comparing total carbon footprints, conventional manufacturing supply chains produce 14 Tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) to reach the point of need while 3D printing produces 0.8 Tons of CO2e.

Climate change is real and continues to be a hot topic in research, public policy, and cultural dialogue. What was once inconceivable — that human activity might impact something as incalculably vast as planet Earth itself — is now understood to be scientific fact.

The environmental impact of manufacturing plays a large role in climate change. Not just through energy consumed in production, but also transportation energy used to ship supplies and parts at various points in supply chains. Increasing numbers of organizations and consumers are prioritizing sustainable, environment-friendly business practices as a result.

Read this article for a contextual overview of climate change, why businesses benefit from environmentally conscious practices, how 3D printing more parts substantially reduces carbon emissions, and how two organizations are using Markforged 3D printers to build a more sustainable future.

Read more here.

Markforged

We’re creating the technology and tools that make it easy for anyone to create production-quality parts, anywhere and anytime. So our customers can quickly solve manufacturing problems and build stronger supply chains—just by pressing print.

More

Additive Manufacturing in the Automotive Industry

What is Automotive Additive Manufacturing? Automotive additive manufacturing (AM) is the process of creating vehicle components by layering materials based on digital 3D models. It allows for rapid prototyping, the production of complex geometries, and the creation of...

Related

Additive Manufacturing in the Automotive Industry

Additive Manufacturing in the Automotive Industry

Automotive manufacturers are using additive manufacturing to accelerate product development, reduce tooling lead times, support low-volume production, and produce replacement parts on demand. This guide explores the key applications, benefits, challenges, materials, and technologies shaping automotive 3D printing, along with real-world examples of how manufacturers are putting additive manufacturing into practice.