Sustainable Spooling: The 'Reel' Issue for 3D Printer users
One recurring question that lands in the Filamentive inbox almost daily revolves around the fate of the empty filament reels left behind after a project's completion. It's a concern echoed by many in our industry; a previous Filamentive survey revealed that a staggering two-thirds of these plastic filament spools end up neither reused nor recycled, potentially leading to environmental harmful practices such landfill.
This issue is not insignificant; empty spools can represent up to 20% of the waste generated by 3D printing activities. Such a significant figure underscores a clear message from the 3D printing community: there's a pressing need for sustainable options to manage, recycle, or repurpose empty filament spools.
Poll Results
In light of this, I conducted a LinkedIn poll aimed at understanding the preferences of 3D printer users when it comes to spooling options. This article delves into the results of that poll and offering insights into promising solutions for recycling or reusing.
As the poll results above show, most users (53%) prefer cardboard spools, 31% selected Refill, implying they either 3D-print their own master spool or re-use spools. A minority of operators (14%) use plastic reels, and an even smaller number (3%) selected Other.
Plastic Spools
The preference for plastic spools, at a low 14%, could reflect the growing environmental concerns associated with 3D printing plastic waste generally.
The durability of plastic, while beneficial for certain uses, poses significant challenges in terms of biodegradability and recyclability, often contributing to landfill and ocean pollution. This subdued preference underlines a broader shift within the 3D printing community towards more sustainable practices.
However, it's worth mentioning that the use of plastic spools can be essential for certain technical requirements. As highlighted by Martin Bei?wenger , specific filament spools need to withstand high temperatures during the drying process, making plastic a necessary choice over alternative materials.
Refill Options (Reusable Spool or Print Your Own)
The notable interest in refill options, capturing 31% of the poll, illustrates a proactive stance within the 3D printing community towards sustainability. This preference demonstrates an understanding of the importance of reusable solutions. Utilising a reusable spool or printing your own not only minimises plastic waste but also promotes a circular economy model where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, reducing the demand for new raw materials.
The concept of MasterSpool has recently seen a surge in popularity, significantly influenced by the widespread adoption of Bambu Lab 3D printers, particularly through their Automatic Material Station (AMS) that accommodates master spools, thus encouraging the use of refill filaments.
Beyond the aspect of compatibility, refill solutions provide the dual advantages of reducing the presence of difficult-to-recycle plastic reels and enhancing storage efficiency for 3D printing operators.
While Bambu Lab printers and their AMS system enjoy considerable popularity, it's essential to recognise that refill solutions are compatible with a broad range of 3D printers. This compatibility opens the door to the potential establishment of an industry-wide 'standard', which could encourage a greater number of filament producers and brands to embrace this approach.
The interest in refillable and self-printed / reusable spools is a clear indicator of the community's readiness to embrace innovative solutions that align with environmental values.
领英推荐
Cardboard Spools
With the highest preference at 53%, cardboard spools emerge as the most favoured option. This preference is likely due to cardboard's well-known eco-friendly attributes, most notably, its ease of recycling. Cardboard spools offer a practical solution that aligns with the 3D printing community's growing commitment to sustainability, significantly reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional plastic spools.
"Cardboard all the way, easily disposed of/recycled" Gavin Hanson
The popularity of cardboard spools also reflects a broader trend towards sustainability in packaging and product delivery. It demonstrates a demand for products that not only serve their purpose but also contribute positively to the environment.
Behaviour Change: Thinking Circular
Certainly, the choice of filament spool type plays a crucial role in minimising environmental impact, but it's also essential to emphasise that the behaviour of 3D printer operators is a significant part of the solution. Thinking in terms of a Circular Economy, where materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed, can dramatically reduce waste and environmental footprint.
"Which one depends on what you intend to do with the empty reel afterwards..." Ryan Chippendale
If the intention behind selecting a particular spool type is not aligned with circular economy principles, the benefits can be lost. For instance, opting for cardboard spools because they are recyclable is a step in the right direction, but only if those spools are indeed recycled after use. The mindset should not just be about choosing the most eco-friendly option available but also ensuring that the end-of-life (EoL) treatment of these materials aligns with sustainable practices.
Refill options, like the ones preferred by Bambu Lab (AMS) users, represent an even more sustainable choice, as they directly encourage reuse and significantly cut down on waste. By opting for refillable spools, 3D printer operators can repeatedly use the existing spools for new filament, aligning closely with the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle.
However, in instances where plastic spools are unavoidable, the focus should shift towards repurposing or recycling them. Acknowledging the demand to reusing empty spools, Filamentive wrote this blog post with practical guidance and ideas. This not only prevents the spools from ending up in landfills but also showcases the innovative spirit of the 3D printing community.
Ultimately, for the 3D printing industry to move towards a more sustainable future, a significant behaviour change is required from all stakeholders. This involves thinking beyond the immediate convenience of disposable materials and towards a Circular model where every material, including filament spools, is valued and seen as part of a larger ecosystem. Encouraging this mindset among 3D printer operators can help drive the industry towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly standard, making every choice in the process—from selection to disposal—an opportunity for positive impact.
Next Steps?
I hate that I've thrown away so many plastic spools, and I'm just and individual user. Cardboard really is my preferred material to the point where I will actually consider one filament manufacturer over another based on the spool material.
I think the solution is fairly simple. Either manufacturers switch to cardboard spools (I believe many are) or they offer a reliable spool re-fill initiative like Fiberlogy. Personally, quite sick of trying to find uses for those flimsy, disposable plastic spools .