Environmental conservation is one of the issues I’m most passionate about, which is why I love companies like ObjectForm, which have made it a priority to develop ways to reduce 3D printing’s impact on the environment as much as possible. Earlier this year, their line of recycled filaments, Fila-Cycle, was awarded the 2015 UK Plastic Industry Award for Best Recycled Product of the Year. With the momentum from their win, Fila-Cycle is expanding their filament line, starting with an ambitious Kickstarter campaign.
After a process of careful selection and thorough testing, the company settled on six new recycled filament offerings: rPLA (jade) made from recycled yogurt pots, rPLA (natural) from commercial leftovers, rPET (opaque) from plastic bottles, rABS and rHIPS (black) from automotive waste, and rHIPS (architect white) from disposed white home goods such as electronics. Each filament is being offered in 1kg 300mm or 1.75mm spools. Their filaments were developed in partnership with 3Dom Europe.
Fila-Cycle is trying to raise £15,000 ($23,133) by December 4th, and they have some nice rewards for backers. Early bird rewards, such as a recycled, 3D printed vase for £5, are only available to UK residents, but beyond that, anyone who pledges £17 ($26) will receive a 1kg spool of the filament of their choice. £34 ($52) will get you two spools, and £85 ($131) will earn you five. Makerlabs, bloggers, and 3D printing hubs who pledge £100 ($154) or more will get free publicity in the form of a listing on the company’s website as “a place to be and connect with for making stuff.” £250 will earn companies a mention in press releases. UK backers who pledge £500 or more, which the company describes as ideal for schools and training centers, will get a visit from the company and a free lesson in 3D printing and how to integrate it with recycled materials.
“Why pin our hopes and dreams on an endangered supply?” asks Fila-Cycle co-founder Scott Knowles. “Why place further pressures on an ecosystem we are now working so hard to fix? The answers? We shouldn’t have to, we shouldn’t need to.”
Thanks to the efforts of companies like Fila-Cycle, 3D printing is coming a step closer to being a completely sustainable industry. Have you used any of Fila-Cycle’s products in the past? Let us know in the Fila-Cycle forum thread on 3DPB.com.
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