While 3D printing can help save time and money, especially in additive manufacturing and prototyping, the plastic filaments used still contribute to the growing waste problem in our environment. There are several ways to be more eco-conscious in 3D printing, such as recycling and upcycling used filament spools and failed 3D prints. Another thing you can do is use recycled 3D printer filaments during printing. If you’re apprehensive about switching filaments, here are 3 benefits to using recycled 3D printer filaments.
1. Reduce plastic waste
Australians, on average, generate 130kg of plastic waste each year and that’s just the plastic waste alone! Recycled 3D printer filaments help in reducing the plastic waste in our landfills in several ways. Some manufacturers recycle residual extrusion waste streams by re-compounding and homogenising them into a high-end and easy-to-print upcycled filament while the others recycle plastic wastes such as PET bottles.
2. No difference in 3D printing quality
Recycled filaments perform just as well as traditional filaments but with less environmental impact. Depending on the manufacturer, recycled filaments are engineered with the same quality as the other filaments in their range. Such is the case with our X3D Pro Recycled PLA where it has been created to deliver the same performance as our traditional PLA but just more eco-friendly.
3. Eco-conscious shift in consumer preference
Consumers are getting smarter these days. They are no longer just after the brand, they want to make sure that the company’s values match their own. Consumers value eco-consciousness in a brand. Therefore, a brand that sells eco-friendly alternatives to products will get a more positive reception from consumers.
X3D’s Best Recycled Filaments of 2022
1. X3D Pro Recycled PLA Filament
X3D Pro Recycled PLA is made from residual extrusion waste streams which are then re-compounded and homogenised. It only uses residual PLA extrusion waste streams so it performs just as good as our bestselling X3D Pro PLA. It has the same easy printability, solid flow and inter-layer adhesion, and flawless first layer adhesion.
2. FormFutura ReForm rPET
ReForm PET recycles PET bottles from a nearby local bottle manufacturer. Since it is from a local bottle supplier, the travel distance between the materials is very minimal, reducing its environmental impact. Despite being made from recycled materials, it is just as good as regular PETG in terms of performance. The ReForm PET is easy-to-print, odourless, and has excellent mechanical properties.
The PolyTerra PLA is made from Fully Bio Compound (FBC) - a bioplastic primarily made with NatureWorks' high-quality Ingeo PLA and compounded with naturally occurring elements to reduce the plastic content of PolyTerra PLA by 15-20%. Unlike other PLA, it has improved toughness and like other PLA, it is easy to print with with its Jam-Free Technology™.
Start using recycled 3D printer filaments on your next projects!
Do your bit in helping the environment and start using recycled 3D printer filaments on your next 3D printing projects. For more info or inquiries, you can contact us by phone and email.