In this guide
At MENNOO, nothing is created by chance.
Not even the 3D printed stands that hold the menu.
Every object has a reason to exist. And every material has a story.
This story begins with plant-based raw materials. Technology carries it forward. And, layer by layer, it takes shape on your table.
From the origins of PLA to caring for the finished stand, here is the journey behind it.
What is PLA?
PLA, or polylactic acid, is a type of plastic that can be produced from renewable plant-based resources. Plant-based describes the material’s origin; it does not mean that the material is no longer plastic.
Corn and sugar cane are examples of feedstocks used to produce PLA. The exact source of a particular printing filament depends on its manufacturer. It cannot be established simply by looking at a finished object.
From sugars to a finished shape
The process has several stages. Plant-derived sugars are fermented to produce lactic acid. Chemical processing and polymerisation then produce PLA, which can be made into filament for 3D printing. NatureWorks describes the production process for its own PLA.
Inside the printer, filament takes shape layer by layer. A digital design becomes a physical object with a profile, a surface and a place for the QR code. The fine lines left by printing are part of that manufacturing process.
This gives a designer a specific way to think about an object: how its surface meets the light, how its outline sits among the other items on a table and where a guest will point their phone. The material and the design have to work together in the finished piece.
A small object with a clear purpose
On the table, the stand connects the physical space to the digital menu. It needs to be noticeable, suit the venue and make scanning comfortable.
Choose a design with a real table in mind. How much room remains next to the glasses? Can guests see the code from their seats? Will staff need to move it repeatedly to make space for dishes? These small questions are more useful than selecting a stand from a photograph alone.
Explore the available shapes in the MENNOO QR stand collection. For practical positioning advice, continue with our guide to placing QR stands.
Plant-based does not mean safe to leave in nature
Material origin and end-of-life management are different matters. The European Commission distinguishes between bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics. One characteristic does not automatically establish the others.
PLA composting depends on suitable conditions and facilities. It is not a promise that a stand will break down in a flowerpot, on a beach or in a home compost bin. NatureWorks explains that finished products require their own compostability testing. The name PLA alone therefore does not certify a complete stand.
Care extends its useful life
Consider the environment before choosing a position. Ordinary PLA has limitations around heat, as described in the Prusa material guide. Ask for instructions for the specific product before using it outdoors, in strong sun or with a particular cleaning method.
- Use the stand for its intended purpose.
- Check the condition of the object and the readability of the code.
- Follow the product’s cleaning and storage instructions.
- At the end of its use, ask the supplier and your local waste operator for disposal guidance.
An environmental footprint includes production, transport, use and end-of-life treatment. Plant-based feedstock does not make that footprint disappear.
Where technology meets design. And design becomes everyday care: for the object, the space and the choices we make.
From the raw material to the next scan, the details matter.
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