3D SUSTAINABILITY — EYE-POPPING OPPORTUNITIES

Blog | by Norman Kay | 05.05.2021

The market size for 3D printable materials globally was approximately 1.6 billion for 2020 and estimated to increase to 4.5 billion in 2025. The exponential growth of this technology is a result of the complexity of new processes, the diversity of filament deposition and unbridled innovative exploration.

What was originally a nascent small-scale enterprise is now a monster industry incorporating equipment, processes, and materials.

All this merges into the ecological necessities of the sustainable era.  

A brief look at the astonishing progress of 3D printing, available ecological materials, and amazing results:

  • Plant based filaments created from seaweed and soy
  • Cornstarch based PLA is non-toxic, completely biodegradable, and compatible for items that are touching food.
  • Hemp fiber is combined with PLA, producing a uniquely textured biodegradable filament that can be recycled. 
  • 100% organic filament created by combining PLA with actual wood fiber plus a bamboo fill by ColorFabb.

From our perspective at IBC Shell, 3D printing has a bright, sustainable horizon:

Speed – to – development, prototyping, engineering and scalable production of packaging and product for the consumer sectors we serve – spirits, fragrance, cosmetics and luxury products.