California-based materials start-up Ecogenesis Biopolymers has introduced a new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament for 3D printing that is derived from plants. According to the company, the material is designed to fully biodegrade even in sensitive environments such as waterways and oceans, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional TPU made from fossil fuels.

Overall, Ecogenesis’ new genTPU filament represents a promising development in sustainable additive manufacturing. It offers a realistic path toward reducing plastic pollution when used and disposed of responsibly, but it is not a license for careless waste management.

Before launching genTPU, Ecogenesis had already introduced a PHA-based filament, similar to PLA, which it describes as biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic. The company explains that while responsible disposal is always encouraged, PHA offers an added level of environmental safety if it is accidentally released into nature.

Ecogenesis states that its PHA filament can biodegrade in a backyard compost system over two to three seasons, depending on local conditions. At present, the company has not provided specific guidance on how long genTPU will take to fully biodegrade under similar conditions.