The Truth Behind Filamentive’s New PLA Recycling Scheme
Most 3D printing operators are eager to find a solution for recycling their waste—a testament to an industry-wide predicament.?
Recent research paints a stark picture: 33% of all 3D prints end up as waste, with filament-based 3D printing generating approximately 379,000 kg of plastic waste annually in the UK alone.?
Despite the urgent need for sustainable practices, a staggering 70% of 3D printing operators currently do not recycle their waste, primarily due to the lack of established end-of-life processing systems. As a result, the vast majority of this waste is likely destined for landfill, exacerbating the environmental impact of plastic waste.?
Recognising this, Filamentive has recently launched a free PLA 3D printing waste recycling service and this article explains how we have overcome the barriers which previously saw such a scheme deemed non-viable.??
The Past PLA 3D Printing Waste Recycling Challenge
Traditionally, recycling PLA waste - and 3D printed plastic generally - posed significant challenges.
Contrary to common belief, recycling these materials isn't as straightforward as simply accepting waste, shredding it, and turning it into 100% recycled filament. While it's technically possible, the reality involves significant quality control issues. Studies show that recycled PLA undergoes a marked decline in mechanical properties after just a few cycles of recycling.
Additionally, the logistics of recycling 3D printing waste are fraught with complexities. The inherent low weight-to-volume ratio of plastic makes its collection and transportation both costly and inefficient. Without the capability to handle waste internally, coordinating its return through Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) poses extra operational challenges. These logistical considerations, coupled with the expenses related to sorting, reprocessing, manufacturing, and administrative handling, impose significant financial burdens on the recycling process.
So, What Has Changed?
The saying "if you can’t beat 'em, join 'em" perfectly encapsulates our decision—collaborating with an established recycler has proven more advantageous than attempting to tackle recycling independently.
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UK PLA recycling service, 3D Printing Waste (3DPW), offers viable end-of-life solutions for 3D-printed waste. The company sells PLA recycling boxes which operators fill up with waste PLA materials. One received, 3DPW offers landfill diversion via upcycling and recycling method. Given 3DPW are already in the business of recycling PLA 3D printing waste, it was a no-brainer to partner with them to deliver our PLA waste recycling service.
Although achieving a closed-loop recycling system—where waste is directly turned back into 100% recycled filament—remains a significant challenge due to quality control issues, our partnership with 3DPW allows us to explore open-loop recycling, where waste is reprocessed and the recyclate produced is used in a different application to the original product. This method broadens our capacity to repurpose PLA waste in various ways, overcoming the stringent quality demands that often hinder (closed-loop) recycling efforts.
Financial sustainability is also a key component of our strategy. The introduction of a minimum spend threshold to qualify for a free recycling box is a pragmatic measure to balance the economic aspects of the recycling service. This requirement not only helps manage the inherent costs of recycling—such as logistics, processing, and administration—but also promotes customer loyalty and repeat business, which are crucial for the continuity and expansion of our environmental initiatives.
How the FREE PLA Waste Recycling Scheme Works
Once Filamentive customers meet the necessary criteria, they gain access to our PLA recycling services without incurring additional costs beyond their regular filament purchases. Upon qualifying, we provide a complimentary 45L PLA waste recycling box. This box can be filled with any PLA waste, including failed prints, support structures, or even reel-ends from PLA filament.
Our UK partner, 3D Printing Waste (3DPW), manages the entire recycling process. They take charge of collecting the filled recycling boxes from our customers. Once collected, 3DPW ensures that the PLA waste is diverted from landfill through various effective recycling methods, giving your discarded materials a new lease on life. This streamlined process not only simplifies recycling for our customers but also supports our commitment to environmental sustainability by preventing valuable resources from being wasted.
By partnering with us, you do more than just reduce plastic pollution from your 3D printing operations; you actively contribute to a more sustainable future and play a vital role in advancing a Circular Economy.
F1 in Schools Coordinator - Technician - Fixer - Designer
11 个月This is a great initiative and it makes clear the inherent difficulties of recycling. As a school I would love to be able to demonstrate this to my school students, but I don't think the quantity of PLA waste we produce would reach your threshold. Is there any scope for a smaller scale version where the sender covers the cost of postage?
Owner/Director - Web & Digital Consultant - Helping fellow business owners navigate the world of web and digital, with fully hosted, managed, hassle-free web and digital support packages, and none of the bs*
11 个月That is fantastic, and I will be watching this closely as I expand into 3D Printing as a company.
Director and Head of Engineering at DefProc Engineering
11 个月Fantastic news! ??