Polymer filaments are still the most popular 3D printing material. According to Market Research Future’s report, the market is expected to reach $8.1 billion by 2030. It can be hard to print responsibly in an environment that is becoming more aware of environmental issues. Fillamentum, a company that makes FDM filaments, is your friend. The Czech Republic-based company, which has been producing filaments for several years, is currently distributing its products in more than 60 countries. What is most interesting about this company, however, is its social responsibility in sustainability. NonOilen is the company’s line of 100% biodegradable filaments. Josef Dolecek (CEO and Founder) of Fillamentum was our host. He shared his insights on the company, its response to global crises, and its environmental actions.
3DN: Would you like to introduce yourself and discuss your connection with 3D printing?
Josef Dolecek is my name and I’m the founder and CEO of Fillamentum. My initial education was in chemical technology. My career focused on developing new polymer materials to be used in global beverage packaging. Finally, after 10+ years of working in the corporate sector, I quit and founded my own plastic manufacturing facility with the help my friends. We specialize in precise microtubing as well as advanced materials. This was only the first step in manufacturing precision filaments. It was a few years later that we got involved when 3D printing became popular.
Josef Dolocek CEO, Founder of Fillamentum
3DN: How did Fillamentum get started? What is Fillamentum’s mission?
The company Fillamentum got its name from the new product itself, which looks like a “violin string” – in latin “filamentum.” Additionally, it is Fillamentum with the amendment‚ ‘Ad(d)ictive polymers.’ Our goal was to introduce precise and valuable 3D printing filaments causing – literally – an addiction. Our mission is to create and manufacture high-quality materials for additive manufacturing, while respecting the environment. We believe responsible technology can save our planet for the future.
3DN: Fillamentum is addressing a variety of crises around the globe right now. This is why it is important for you.
Today’s crises are a result of the loss of critical thinking in modern society. Our society’s over-abundance has led to a less vigilant, lazy, and more demanding society than it was in the past. Fillamentum believes that people have the power to change the world if they are empowered. This attitude has been a great help in turbulent times. Our principles and vision, and also passion – the best things are only made with passion. Our focus is on sustainability and protecting the environment.
FDM printing can be done with fillamentum materials in many colors.
3DN: Could your comments expand on the importance sustainability and taking action to protect the environment? What have you done?
It’s safe to say sustainability and environmental action are core values of who we are. But how do we address them? Firstly, we say “Think before you print.” Every one of us can manage their own environmental impact and the easiest way is to judge if what we do is necessary or not. We are not the only one. Our production halls and office buildings’ roofs have been covered with photovoltaic panels since 2011. Even if you are selling filament, we encourage you to be aware of the impact that they may be having on the environment.
We also decided to offer a green alternative to each product without compromising its properties. Notably, last year we introduced NonOilen – the first circular and compostable 3D printing material in the world. This unique polymer composition is 100% recyclable (100% biodegradable, made from renewable resources), and is more or less an alternative to engineering polymers. Our NonOilen is a leading product.
Passion and innovation are essential for Fillamentum
We are still going. Now we have moved to also recycling Nylon from fishing nets – Fishy filament by Fillamentum. We are on our way! We do everything we can to reduce our environmental impact.
3DN: Do you have any last words for our readers
I encourage readers to visit our website to see some of our case studies and projects, and learn more about who and what we do.
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*All photo credits: Fillamentum