12 Initiatives That Combine 3D Printing & Sustainability

3D printing can be considered a greener manufacturing method because it allows for just the material needed to be consumed. By contrast to subtractive production techniques that by definition waste resources when producing. Some projects in the sector highlight this more ecological and sustainable aspect by offering multiple solutions for recycling our waste. On the occasion of World Earth Day today, we want to invite you to discover 12 projects that combine 3D printing and sustainability, offering a more respectful alternative of producing for our planet. Of course, we hope to see the number of projects increase over the years!

ProtoCycler from ReDeTec, Reducing Waste Thanks to 3D Printing

The ProtoCycler machine was developed by the Canadian company ReDeTec to reduce the amount of waste associated with 3D printing. After printing, the company realised that a lot of material was finally ending up in the garbage. It has therefore created an additive manufacturing solution that is also a recycling system: it allows to manufacture its own plastic filament from recycled waste or virgin granules. ProtoCycler is now able to recycle the majority of the most commonly used plastics on the market and should soon expand its range of materials. In the long term, the company hopes that this recycling system will replace plastic bins!

SHR3D IT from 3Devo: Turning Waste Into 3D Printing Materials

Founded in 2015, this young Dutch company developed SHR3D IT in 2017, a machine capable of transforming your plastic waste into 3D printable granules. It combines the capabilities of a shredder, capable of recycling 5.1 kilograms of plastic in just one hour. In addition to this innovative system, the startup has launched a machine that allows you to create your filament directly from these granules. 3Devo offers a complete circular economy system that allows users to create their own 3D printing material.