Plastenco targets circular micro production
Why? Because we follow the trends in Europe. What aspects do we consider important? We have selected 4 key areas for you.
Why? Because we follow the trends in Europe. What aspects do we consider important? We have selected 4 key areas for you.
1. The growth of the 3D printing market in Europe
Demand for customised products, more complex shapes, prototyping and smaller batches is increasing significantly. This trend is reflected in the European 3D printing market, which is showing strong dynamics and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14-17% during the period 2025-2034[1].
IMARC Group+3expertmarketresearch.com+3mordorintelligence.com+3
For designers and architects, this means a faster path from idea to prototype, the ability to work with shapes that traditional manufacturing processes would make virtually impossible, and the freedom to test new materials from recycled plastics to advanced composites and metal compounds.
Architectural models, furniture prototypes, light installations and art objects are becoming more accurate, accessible and open to experimentation thanks to 3D printing.
Customers then get products that are truly „bespoke“ whether it’s function, aesthetics or sustainability. The growing demand for personalization is also driving innovation that is moving 3D printing from an industry to a creative sector.
2. Sustainable and circular design
The European Union has long promoted materials and practices that have a lower environmental impact. As a result,recycled and biodegradable plasticsare coming to the fore and are beginning to play a major role in the world of design and architecture[2].
Technologies for recycling plastics into filaments for 3D printing (filament recyclers) have already reached the commercial stage and are becoming a trend that opens up new possibilities for creative practice. This means that waste PET bottles or industrial plastic residues can get a second life, this time in the form of prototypes, installations or even functional objects. An example is the Dutch company 3devo, which specialises in recycling PET into printing strings.
Image.
On the Czech scene, it is worth mentioning the research work of the PETMAT institute led by Kateřina Sýsová from Plastenco, where a filament made of recycled PET (rPET) has been created . Such material also offers a specific aesthetic, slightly different texture and colour that can be an inspiration for designers. More on our earlier blog.
3. Materials & Research
Interest is increasingly focused on recyclable thermoplastics, bioplastics and also composites, i.e. materials with a lower carbon footprint, which open up new possibilities for design[3]. Bioplastics can offer different textures and colours that appear more natural and organic, while composites allow the properties of different components – such as the strength of metal and the lightness of plastic – to be combined, pushing the usability of printed objects.
The European Union supports the development of recycled materials and production technologies through dedicated programmes, innovation funds and grants aimed at SMEs [4]. This support is helping to bring new materials to market more quickly, allowing designers and architects to experiment not only with form but also with sustainability and aesthetics of a project.
3. Challenges, or what we still need to try
However, there are also challenges associated with the use of recycled materials. Costs can be higher and the properties of such materials, whether mechanical durability or visual stability, may not always be up to the level of standard virgin plastics.
Another obstacle is standardisation and certification, as strict safety, quality and sustainability standards must be met for use in interior design or applications exposed to more demanding conditions.
Equally important is logistics. To make recycled material truly meaningful and long-lasting, it is essential to ensure a stable and quality source of plastic waste and to build a reliable supply chain.
We like to experiment. How?
- Expanding the range of materials
We are exploringother recycled plastics, such as surplus from 3D printing or filament spools. - Personalisation
Single pieces or small batches for designers/architects/interior studios – for example design pieces, lighting, accessories, bespoke furniture. - Story
We describe the whole story, we are transparent about materials (source of waste), we manufacture in the Czech Republic, we care about quality and recyclability. - Cooperation
We cooperate on research projects with the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University and UMPRUM in Prague. Through the eco-design challenge Reborn Design we establish cooperation with young designers from prestigious Czech universities.
Who is in it with us in the world?
- Sculptural-iconic high-end
Nagami – large-scale 3D printing from recycled/recyclable plastics; collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, etc. → targeting collectibles, statement objects, flagship interiors. - Circular urban stories & social impact
The New Raw – „plastic from street to street“; local labs, citizen participation, 100% circularity; urban furniture and public procurement . - Industry partner for brands (design-to-manufacture)
Batch.Works -B2B manufacturing for brandy (Sheep Inc., Bene) + custom homeware; emphasis on achievable unit costs. - Design office accessories (retail ready)
bFRIENDS – „post-consumer plant-based plastic → filament → 3D printing „ - Custom large format & carbon narrative
KOMUT – zero waste, robotic printing; „durable & carbon-neutral „ communication .
Where you can see Plastenco products live
Come to the opening in the Křižík Pavilion during Designblok 2025.
„Bubbles & Plastic“
Friday 10.10.2025 from 17.00
Booth KE.17 „Plastenco design“
Are you interested in cooperation? Contact us at info@plastenco.cz.
Links:
[1] IMARC Group+3expertmarketresearch.com+3mordorintelligence.com+3
[2] https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/blog/870/global-europe-d-printing-materials?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[3] https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/blog/870/global-europe-d-printing-materials?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[4] https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/growth/items/48937/en?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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