3D Printing Adoption, Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Sustainability in South Africa

Abstract

3D printing adoption, regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability has become relevant in research since attention has been drawn to environmental consequences related to operations of 3D printing firms. This study seeks to examine the direct and mediating relationships between 3D printing technology adoption, regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability among 3D printing firms in South Africa. The study randomly selected 152 employees of 3D printing firms to participate in the study using questionnaires. Results showed that a non-significant positive relationship exists between 3D printing technology adoption and environmental sustainability, while a significant negative relationship exists between 3D printing technology adoption and regulatory compliance. A significant positive relationship was found to exist between 3D printing regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability. 3D printing regulatory compliance was found to negatively mediate the relationship between 3D printing technology adoption and environmental sustainability. The results of the study have implications on the need for 3D printing firms to invest in regulatory compliance as a strategic element to achieve environmental sustainability.