From Scrap to Success

In today’s world, where sustainability is a pressing global concern, the need for greener manufacturing practices has never been more crucial. Consequently, product developers, design engineers, and manufacturers are more aware of environmental considerations than ever before. While consumer demand, regulation, and brand image are the main drivers, many opt for recycled materials to reduce their environmental footprint.

We’ve introduced two new plastic materials made with recycled content to our CNC offering, meaning that with Protolabs, you avoid using virgin materials for your prototyping at no extra cost.

Introducing rPOM-C and rPEEK

It’s clear why rPOM-C (recycled Polyoxymethylene Copolymer) and rPEEK (recycled Polyetheretherketone) were abbreviated into acronyms. It’s also clear that these recycled materials help reduce the environmental impact by lessening the need for raw material extraction. rPOM-C is produced with 100% recycled content, and rPEEK with 25% recycled content – Recycling consumes less energy compared to producing new materials, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. Using these recycled materials not only helps in waste reduction but also promotes a circular economy and conserves resources. Despite being recycled, they maintain the equivalent mechanical and thermal properties, ensuring top-notch performance. Incorporating these materials shows a strong commitment to sustainability, helping companies comply with environmental regulations and enhance their corporate image.