The additive manufacturing industry continues to transform how we design, prototype, and produce everything from industrial parts to consumer products. At the heart of this innovation is PLA filament—one of the most widely used materials in desktop and professional 3D printing. For those wondering what is PLA in 3D printing, it stands for polylactic acid, a biobased thermoplastic made from renewable resources. Among the leading names in this space, NatureWorks PLA, marketed under the Ingeo™ brand, is widely recognized as one of the best PLA filament brands on the market today.

When compared to other 3D printer filament options like ABS, PETG, and nylon, PLA material—especially NatureWorks Ingeo™ PLA—offers unique benefits for a wide range of applications, including consumer goods, automotive components, healthcare parts, and large-format prototypes.

Printability: Ease and Accessibility

A key reason NatureWorks PLA is considered among the best PLA filament options available is its printability. Ingeo™ PLA is engineered for ease of extrusion, excellent bed adhesion, and minimal warping—making it ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike. NatureWorks offers a diverse selection of Ingeo™ grades designed for specific 3D printing needs, including large-format prints, breakaway supports, general-purpose use, and even high-heat and impact-resistant parts.

Compared to materials like ABS or nylon, which require high printing temperatures (230–260°C) and heated build chambers, Ingeo™ PLA prints at a lower temperature range (190–230°C), has a much lower emission profile, and doesn’t need a heated enclosure. This ease of use makes NatureWorks PLA the go-to 3D printer filament for users at all levels—without compromising quality.

Mechanical Properties: Balancing Strength & Ductility

While PLA material is naturally stiff and has a high modulus, standard PLA can sometimes be brittle when printed. NatureWorks has addressed this with advanced grades like Ingeo™ 3D870, formulated to offer improved impact resistance and ductility, making it suitable for functional parts, industrial components, and demanding applications.

Interlayer adhesion is another area where PLA filament excels. Ingeo™ PLA promotes superior layer bonding compared to ABS or PETG, reducing the risk of delamination and improving overall mechanical properties. In addition, it can be modified with reinforcements like fibers or additives to meet specific end-use requirements.

A Sustainable Solution

A frequent question in 3D printing circles is: Is PLA biodegradable? The answer is yes—PLA filament is industrially compostable and made from renewable resources such as field corn, sugarcane, cassava, and sugar beets. NatureWorks PLA not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also has a carbon footprint up to 86% lower than traditional petrochemical-based plastics like ABS, PETG, and nylon.

With sustainability becoming a driving factor in material selection, PLA offers a compelling alternative for eco-conscious makers and manufacturers. You can now choose a 3D printer filament that delivers high performance while aligning with environmental goals.

The Clear Choice for the Best PLA Filament

So, what is PLA in 3D printing really about? It’s about balancing quality, ease of use, and sustainability. Among the best PLA filament brands, NatureWorks leads the way with its high-performance, biobased Ingeo™ line. Whether you’re a novice just starting out or a seasoned professional developing industrial-grade parts, NatureWorks PLA delivers unmatched versatility and consistent print quality.

As additive manufacturing continues to expand across industries, choosing the best PLA filament is more important than ever. NatureWorks Ingeo™ PLA provides the reliability, printability, and eco-friendly performance that modern makers and manufacturers demand.

Ready to Make a Sustainable Shift?

Join the growing community of innovators who are choosing NatureWorks PLA for their 3D printing needs. For more information or to discuss how Ingeo™ PLA can support your projects, contact your Channel Prime Alliance account manager today.