Industrial Plasticine for Sustainable and Reusable Iterative 3D Prototyping: Implications for Reducing Material Waste

Abstract

Iterative 3D printing has become a core practice in product design, enabling rapid cycles of form refinement, dimensional correction, and usability testing. However, despite its efficiency, the process generates large volumes of short-lived polymer prototypes that are rarely recycled, contributing to a growing waste problem. Existing circularity solutions for 3D-printed plastics remain limited due to material degradation, processing complexity, and low economic feasibility. This paper synthesises current literature on reusable materials for iterative prototyping and evaluates clay composites and industrial plasticine as potential alternatives for closed-loop, low-waste 3D printing workflows. Findings show that while clay offers strong sustainability and recyclability, its moisture sensitivity, labour-intensive preparation, and slow drying cycles limit its suitability for rapid iteration. Industrial plasticine, in contrast, demonstrates stable rheology, non-drying behaviour, and repeatable reshaping qualities that align with the needs of fast design cycles, yet it remains unexplored in additive manufacturing research. By comparing these materials, the paper identifies industrial plasticine as a promising candidate for waste-reduced, closed-loop iterative 3D printing and outlines key research directions for establishing a sustainable prototyping workflow.