Matt Harkness is Recycling PLA Waste Using Tattoos

The 3D printing filament PLA is often advertised as environmentally friendly since polylactic acid is largely made from renewable raw materials such as corn starch. Thus, products made from PLA are able to be labeled “biodegradable.” This eco-stamp can therefore be misleading for some consumers, as many believe that this can be equated with “compostable”. However, Australian artist Matt Harkness, among others, knows that this is not quite true. With his projects, he wants to raise awareness of the environmental impact of 3D printing, in his very own way. And one of his options for 3D printer waste will certainly get under your skin. The artist has found his own innovative way to recycle PLA waste, through tattoos on the human body. We explain what’s behind the artist’s somewhat eccentric idea.

The biorecyling machine by artist Matt Harkness (photo credits: Matt Harkness)

Man as a recycling facility for PLA

Matt Harkness is an Art, Design and Media PhD student at the University of New South Wales. His “biorecycling machine” is a concept that converts 3D printing waste granules into a PLA polymer ink that can be placed under the skin using a special apparatus. Once the PLA then enters the person’s skin layer, the hydrolysis process begins. Polylactic acid microplastic particles are slowly converted into lactic acid, carbon dioxide and water. After thirty weeks, the body has completely “recycled” the PLA particles and excreted the components through urination or respiration.