Is rPETG as strong as virgin PETG?

Yes, high-quality rPETG filament generally retains the key mechanical properties of virgin PETG, such as high tensile strength and durability. Most premium rPETG is made from post-industrial waste from the filament manufacturing process itself, ensuring it is a pure material without contaminants.

Why is it better to use filament from recycled fishing nets?

It provides two major environmental benefits: 1) It removes 'ghost gear'—one of the deadliest forms of plastic waste—from our oceans, protecting marine life. 2) It replaces the need for new, petroleum-based nylon, reducing the carbon footprint and conserving fossil resources.

What does a 'local' supply chain mean for Tronvik?

For us, it means sourcing our filament exclusively from Swedish producers. This minimizes transport emissions, strengthens the local economy, and ensures that the materials are produced under Sweden's high environmental and quality standards.

What happens to scrap material and failed prints?

Nothing goes to waste. We operate a closed-loop system where all scrap material, including supports, prototypes, and empty spools, is collected and sent to a specialized partner who transitions it back into new, high-quality filament.

Additive Manufacturing and Sustainability: Building a Greener Future

Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is revolutionizing how we create everything from prototypes to end-use parts. Beyond its technical capabilities, AM presents a significant opportunity to shift towards more sustainable manufacturing practices. By producing objects layer by layer, it inherently reduces waste, enables localized production, and opens the door for innovative, eco-friendly materials.

This resource explores the key sustainability aspects of AM, with a deep dive into the materials we at Tronvik have chosen to work with.

The Tronvik Way: A Commitment to Sustainable Manufacturing

At Tronvik, our ambition is not just to create high-quality parts, but to do so in a way that is fundamentally better for our planet. "The Tronvik Way" is our unwavering commitment to a sustainable, circular, and locally-focused manufacturing process. It’s a promise that every project we undertake is built on a foundation of environmental responsibility.

Here’s what that means in practice:

Conscious Material Selection: We've opted out of everything else to focus solely on two of the most sustainable materials available: rPETG from recycled sources and high-performance Nylon from reclaimed fishing nets (ghost gear).
Local Sourcing from Swedish Producers: To minimize transport emissions and support local industry, we source our filaments exclusively from Swedish producers who share our vision for quality and sustainability.
Powered by Green Energy: Our entire operation, from design to final print, is powered by 100% renewable energy. It's a non-negotiable part of our process.
A True Closed-Loop System: Waste is a design flaw. All leftover material, supports, and empty spools are collected and re-processed into new, high-quality filament. Nothing goes to waste.

Sustainable Filaments: A Closer Look

rPETG: Closing the Loop on Production Waste

rPETG is a durable filament with a carbon footprint up to 56% lower than virgin PETG. It's typically made from clean, post-industrial waste, ensuring high quality and performance for everything from prototypes to mechanical parts.

Recycled Nylon: From Ocean Waste to High-Performance Parts

"Ghost gear" is one of the deadliest forms of plastic pollution. By turning these nets into high-quality nylon filament, we help clean the oceans while producing extremely strong and durable components ideal for demanding engineering applications.

Broader Sustainability Advantages of AM

Drastic Waste Reduction: Unlike traditional (subtractive) manufacturing where up to 90% of a material block can become waste, AM only uses the material it needs.
Lightweighting & Efficiency: AM allows for the design of complex, optimized geometries that reduce a part's weight. Lighter parts in vehicles and aircraft reduce fuel consumption throughout their entire lifecycle.