The challenges and opportunities of 3D printing implementation and sustainability performance: the double-edged sword of environmental uncertainty

3D Printing (3DP) is a popular advanced technology that may revolutionise manufacturing practice, yet few studies have explored the impact of its implementation on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). In particular, many studies have failed to recognize that 3DP implementation does not happen in a vacuum: the extent of uncertainty in the environment to which it applies also matters greatly. Therefore, this research employs Resource-Based Contingency (RBC) theory to lay the groundwork for revealing the impact of 3DP implementation levels on sustainability performance, whilst also exploring the moderating role of environmental uncertainty. The results of 266 survey responses identify that 3DP implementation in production positively contributes to TBL performance, which encourages managers on 3DP implementation. Environmental uncertainty is shown to exhibit the characteristics of a double-edged sword: internal manufacturing uncertainty weakens the positive effects, but external supply uncertainty strengthens them, which highlights managers examining the fit of 3DP implementation to firm’s internal and external environmental uncertainty. This finding confirms that 3DP implementation can assist firms in guarding against external supply disruption, but also suggests a new perspective: for firms, environmental uncertainty is both a challenge and an opportunity.