Editorial: Wool's Back in the Black
OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.
"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.
The innovation is the brain child of Christchurch-based ingredients manufacturer Wool Source and Tokoroa-based 3D printing filament manufacturer KiwiFil.
Turning Strong Wool Into Sustainable Pigments
The colour source comes from Wool Source Pigments, an alternative to standard pigments with 92-98% biobased carbon content, meaning the carbon is almost entirely derived from a renewable, natural source.
Tom Hooper, Wool Source chief executive, says his company's 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.
"Unlike other biobased options for textural effect or colour, our four-colour base system gives filament producers maximum colour mixing flexibility," Hooper says.
Designed for Sustainable 3D Printing
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."
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 - via KiwiFil's website with more colours already being explored.
Expanding Commercial Uses for Strong Wool
Wool Source’s broader product range includes Wool Source Particles and Wool Source Powders, which have applications ranging from hydrolysed keratin and personal care to construction materials.
Wool Source is the commercialisation arm of Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ), a specialist funder of wool research and development for the New Zealand wool industry.
These latest releases follow a multi-year R&D programme to find new uses for strong wool, backed by WRONZ, wool growers, the wider wool supply chain, the Ministry of Business and Innovation and Employment and the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.
