Sourcing “ethical” 3D printer filament#
While globalization certainly has its upsides, I’ve come to try to source things I purchase from Germany (or any other country within the EU) whenever I can. This is also the case for 3D printer filament. Naturally, I looked around.
I found a post by ddd-filament which lists various manufacturers. I found the list to be very useful, and I recommend you check it out. Some manufacturers have been missing, however, and they also list some manufacturers that don’t sell to end-users directly.
Why filament made in the EU?#
Buying filament that has been produced in the EU means it falls under EU laws and directives. That means it should adhere to labour and environmental laws during its production. Taxes paid on the products also go back into the local economy, and in turn social systems.
I strongly urge buying against filament made in China, as chances are they are made at a low price at the cost of human rights and the environment.
List of Manufacturers#
| Manufacturer | Country of Origin | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| 3DJake | EU | ABS, ASA, Bio Filament, PLA, PVA, Recycled PETG, Recycled PLA, SKULPT, TPU |
| add:north | Sweden | ABS, Boron Carbide, Carbon Fiber, Cellulose, Graphene, Nylon, PET, PLA, Polyethylene, PVDF |
| Das Filament | Germany | PETG, PLA, TPU |
| Extrudr | Austria | ABS, Greentech, PETG, PLA, TPU |
| Fiberlogy | Poland | ABS, ASA, BVOH, FIBERFLEX, FIBERSILK, FIBERWOOD, HIPS, NYLON, PETG, PLA, PP, Refill |
| Fillamentum | Czech Republic | ABS, ASA, CPE, CPE-CF, CPE/PETG, HIPS, Nylon, PC/ABS, PLA, PP, Timberfill, TPE, TPU, Vinyl |
| Formfutura | Netherlands | ABS, ASA, HIPS, PA, PC, PC-ABS, PETG, PLA, PP, PVA, SBC, TPC, TPU |
| HERZ | Germany | ABS, ABS – Tech line, COC Filament, ESD Filament, HiPS, PA6.66, PA-12 (W/H), PAHT-CF, PC, PC/PBTP, PETG, PLA, PLA-HI, PMMA, PP, PVA, TPS, TPU-R |
| Innofil3D BV | Netherlands? | ABS, ABS Fusion+, ASA, BVOH, HiPS, PA, PAHT CF15, PEI, PET, PET CF15, PLA, PLA PRO1, PP, PP GF30, PPSU, rPET, TPC, TPE, TPU, Z-PETG |
| Kaisertech | Germany | ABS, Fleixble Rubber, HIPS, PETG, PLA, PP, PVA, Wood |
| Material 4 Print | Germany | ABS, ABS-PC, ASA, PETG, PLA, PMMA |
| Orbi-Tech | Germany | ABS, ABS/PC, ASA, BendLay Glass, HiPS, Mold-Lay, Nylon PA, PC, PET, PLA, smartABS, TPE & TPU |
| Prusa | Czech Republic | ABS, ASA, FLEX, PET, PLA, SPECIAL |
| Ultimaker | Netherlands | ABS, Nylon, PC, PLA, PP |
Personally, I’ve purchased filament from Das Filament and material4print, and so far, I’m pleased. I especially enjoy the refill option Das Filament offers, as to avoid empty rolls ending up in the rubbish. They also seem to enjoy a good reputation in the 3D printing community, and I’ll use them as my “bread and butter” (PLA & PETG) source in the future.
I’ve also looked for 3D printer resin manufacturers in the EU, check it out if you’re interested!