In the context of Industry 4.0, the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and additive manufacturing (AM) is crucial. This article explores the sustainable and eco-friendly features of AM, often known as 3D printing, a cutting-edge technology. Along with describing AM’s various materials, methods, and applications, it also explains its foundations. This study explores the environmental effects of several 3D printing methods to show how they might transform sustainable production. Examined in detail are the characteristics, uses, and difficulties of sustainable materials, such as recyclable plastics and biodegradable polymers. The study also looks at the effects of 3D printing in areas including environmental monitoring, water and wastewater treatment, and the manufacturing of renewable energy components. Additionally, certain drawbacks and difficulties related to environmentally friendly 3D printing are explored, highlighting the importance of ongoing study and development in this field. Complexities in fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing processes, such as uneven fiber distribution and suboptimal bonding, must be addressed in order to successfully match sustainability objectives with functional performance requirements. These issues can jeopardize the durability and structural integrity of biodegradable materials. Anomalies in printing quality and it offers solutions to these problems. To overcome these obstacles and improve the feasibility of biodegradable FDM 3D printing materials for wider applications, ongoing research and innovation are crucial. All things considered, the results highlight how important it is to standardize procedures and promote interdisciplinary cooperation in order to actually accomplish sustainable and significant 3D printing. On its effects on the economy and environment. The environmental impact of waste generation during 3D printing processes has grown significantly as additive manufacturing undergoes exponential expansion. This study examines and assesses the properties and usability of a variety of recycled materials that are frequently used in 3D printing, such as polymers like polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Problems such polymer sorting, coatings, additives, contamination, and thermoset reprocessing are discussed along with general recycling techniques that include mechanical and chemical procedures. Examined are the effects of incorporating recycled materials into 3D printing on the economy, society, and environment. Finding research gaps and suggesting future directions. This review advances our knowledge of how recycling can be essential to attaining both economic viability and environmental sustainability in the context of decentralized 3D printing.
