Recycling is the reel thing for Ravi

Ravi Toor, founder of Filamentive

Finding the gap in any market is crucial to the success of any business proposition. Finding it in an emerging technology or market is something of a holy grail. Young businessman Ravi Toor has managed to do both!

Filamentive, the business Ravi started while still a student at the University of Leeds, specialises in sustainably sourced 3D printing materials. Reels of Filamentive PLA and PET filament are made from 90% recycled sources, becoming the most environmentally friendly 3D filament to reach the marketplace.

It has been quite a year for Ravi. Last summer he won a Shell LiveWIRE Smarter Future Award, which recognises the work of young entrepreneurs, scooping £5,000 for the business. He was also shortlisted for the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Recently he has just signed his first distribution deal for Filamentive with Rapid Electronics. All this before he has even graduated!

We caught up with him recently to find out a bit more about Filamentive.

 

Rapid: So Ravi, what was your original inspiration for Filamentive? 

Ravi: I have been involved in desktop 3D printing since 2013 so I also gained experience of the consumables market. I realised that most filament was coming from China and so there were understandably quality and labour issues, not to mention the environmental impact of using fossil-based plastic and the huge carbon footprint associated with imports. My degree in Environment and Business gave me the background understanding of sustainability practices and ethical business. I realised there was a need to address the quality and sustainability issues surrounding filament given the fact that it is a plastic product.

 

Rapid: What are the special qualities of filament made from recycled materials?

Ravi: There is a stigma around recycled 3D printer filament that it is not the same quality as the virgin alternative. This is why at Filamentive we wanted to find a way of producing a recycled filament without compromising on quality. The first stage is to ensure the feedstock (waste stream) is homogenous without debris particles. In terms of formulation, a 100% recycled filament is not possible as additives are needed for colour, compound stabilise and strength, which is why our PLA and PET is 90% recycled; in effect 90% is environmentally friendly and 10% ensures quality and consistency.

Production wise, state-of-the-art machinery is needed to compound, pelletise and extrude in order to meet strict diameter and roundness tolerances. In a world of ever-increasing environmental awareness, both consumers and business are looking for ethical and recycled alternatives in order to reduce their carbon footprint, increase sustainability and feel good about helping the environment.   

   

 

Rapid: What extra costs are involved in sourcing sustainably?

Ravi: Of course we are advocates of European production as opposed to manufacturing in the Far East. Although this is more expensive we believe the costs are justified given that it is paying good wages for those involved in Filamentive. In addition, research and development is expensive, especially when you want to develop a new material.

 

Rapid: Can your filament be used in any 3D printer?

Ravi: Yes, we pride ourselves on compatibility. We offer 1.75mm as well as 2.85mm (3mm) diameters in every material we sell. Some of the more abrasive materials such as carbon fibre may wear standard nozzles faster than PLA for example, but steel nozzles can be purchased for £5 online so that solves the problem!

 

Rapid: What in your view has been the most exciting development of 3D printing technology?

Ravi: Firstly the innovation in FDM 3D over the past decade has been phenomenal. The machines we see today for £1000 are the same spec as machines that cost £50,000 a decade ago. A few years ago only large businesses and universities could afford the technology, now we see small businesses, hobbyists and even kids being able to afford a 3D printer and reap the benefits of the technology. Also from a materials point of view, the development of exotic composites such as wood, carbon fibre and metals have really advanced desktop 3D printing!

Rapid: What advice would you give other young entrepreneurs?

Ravi: Simple. Just do it! if you have a business idea then pursue it to the best of your ability. Youth is on our side; the average young person in their late teens/early twenties does not have a mortgage or any of the baggage of adult life. Even if it does not go to plan then the impact will not be as serious and you will definitely benefit from the experience. If you are at university then definitely speak to your institution about enterprise support and funding. At the University of Leeds, over £50,000 is available in enterprise funding, not to mention the support network of successful alumni and experienced career advisors.

 
 

Rapid: How do you see Filamentive developing over the next five years?

Ravi: The aim for Filamentive is to become a global material brand within 3D printing, known for our quality and sustainability; serving resellers and distributors throughout the world. Currently we only offer thermoplastics for 3D printing but it would also be interesting to enter the market for SLA resins and powers for industrial 3D printing. We also want to link with industry and create tangible products from their waste (for example making filament from old toys) in order to reduce waste, promote reuse and lower filament costs for clients.

www.rapidonline.com/filamentive