# Compostable Printing Filaments WillowFlex Aims to Make the Future of 3D Printing Sustainable By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-07-29 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printing-filaments References: [3dprint](http://3dprint.com/84250/willowflex-bioinspiration/) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bioinspiration/flexible-compostable-resilient-3d-printer-filament) As much as the future of [rapid prototyping with 3D printing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibreseeker-3) looks bright, not all printing filaments are sustainable like this one from WillowFlex. This additive manufacturing material uses a base of non-GMO corn starch to form an elastomeric bioplastic from [compostable raw materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echo-pads). After a 3D-printed creation has served its purpose, the materials can be set in the ground to decompose for a number of months. It's described that WillowFlex has the ability to "set a new baseline for filaments used in sensitive environments such as schools, homes and kitchen, and medical applications." Other noteworthy [eco-friendly printing filaments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-concept) that are beginning to emerge include Agridust made from food waste, Refil made from used car dashboards and PET bottles and 3D Systems' water-soluable Infinity Rinse-Away. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Compostable 3D Printing Filaments:** The use of compostable raw materials as a base for 3D printing filaments opens up opportunities for eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing processes. - **Eco-friendly Additive Manufacturing:** The emergence of printing filaments made from food waste or recycled materials indicates a growing trend towards more environmentally-friendly additive manufacturing methods. - **Biodegradable 3D Printed Products:** The ability to decompose 3D printed products made from compostable filaments offers new opportunities in creating sustainable products for sensitive environments such as schools, homes, and healthcare settings. ### Where This Applies - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing industries can innovate by exploring the use of compostable filaments in 3D printing to create sustainable products and reduce waste. - **Healthcare:** Hospitals and healthcare facilities can explore the use of compostable filaments in 3D printing to create eco-friendly medical tools and devices. - **Education:** Educational institutions can use compostable 3D printing filaments to create eco-friendly classroom materials and reduce their environmental impact. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printable Packaging Pastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reishi-mushroom-printable-material.md) - [3D-Printed Filament Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polyformer.md) - [Fully Recyclable 3D-Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biohome3d.md) - [Compostable Instant Coffee Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natureworks.md) - [Mycelium-Growing 3D-Printed Scaffolds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-scaffold.md) - [Vibrant 3D-Printed Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-design.md) - [Home-Compostable Beauty Pipettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-pipette.md) - [Fully Compostable Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-seed-packaging.md) - [Eco-Friendly 3D Printer Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-concept.md)