Articles
“WoolyFil” is the world’s first commercial 3D printing filament to use a wool-based colourant to replace traditional synthetic or fossil-fuel derived colour.
It’s the brainchild of Wool Source and our friends at KiwiFil, a 3D printing filament manufacturer based in Tokoroa.
The unique colour source comes from our Wool Source Pigments, an alternative to standard pigments with 92-98% biobased carbon content. This means the carbon is almost entirely derived from a renewable, natural source.
“Wool Source’s patented technology takes strong wool fibre and transforms it into fine, coloured particles that can be mixed into other materials for applications like 3D printing, bioplastics and screen-printing inks,” says Tom Hooper, our chief executive at Wool Source.
Hooper says the Wool Source Pigments product has been designed for customers keen to improve their environmental footprint while still delivering consistent colour and performance.
"The KiwiFil team was willing to have a play with it and give us some feedback - and we're delighted they decided to launch a new range with our pigments as the hero."
This product launch also follows our recent collaboration with outdoor brand Kathmandu on screen printed graphic t-shirts.
KiwiFil Director Eva Hakansson says the company is looking to make the most sustainable filament possible.
“We loved the idea of using New Zealand wool and a biobased pigment in our recycled PLA filament but it needed to work for everyday 3D printing customers, as that’s our market.
“Our customers are loving the totally unique look and feel and the colours inspired by nature.”
“WoolyFil” is available in two colours - Green Marble and Riverstone - and in 250g and 1kg spools via KiwiFil's website.
Watch this space for more colours, with development already underway
