Fishy Filaments, based in Cornwall, UK, specializes in converting discarded nylon fishing nets into high-performance materials for additive manufacturing. The company produces both filament and pellet formats from 100% recycled Nylon 6. These materials are used in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and other extrusion-based processes and are intended for applications requiring durable, engineering-grade polymers. In a recent interview with 3Druck.com, the team outlined its material approach and discussed the role of recycled inputs in advancing sustainable additive manufacturing.
The recycling process employed is mechanical and avoids chemical treatments, relying solely on electricity and freshwater. This method enables consistent material quality while keeping the environmental footprint low. To further support circular manufacturing models, a take-back scheme has been established that allows materials to re-enter the production cycle at the end of their service life.
In addition to filaments and pellets, the manufacturer has announced development work on a 100% recycled nylon powder for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), in collaboration with Alpha Powders. Though still in progress, the project reflects an effort to expand into powder-based 3D printing applications.
By offering sustainable alternatives with reliable mechanical properties, the Cornish company contributes to reducing plastic waste and supporting the shift toward more responsible production in industrial and design-oriented additive manufacturing.
Interview with Fishy Filaments
In the interview with 3Druck.com, Fishy Filaments discusses the increasing demand for sustainable materials in additive manufacturing and the company’s efforts to meet that need using recycled fishing nets. They highlight industry interest, the challenges of developing high-performance filaments from waste, and their approach to promoting circular practices within the 3D printing ecosystem.
Have you noticed a shift in interest from niche eco-conscious brands to more mainstream industry players when it comes to sourcing recycled materials like yours?
Yes, we’ve seen growing interest in our materials, not only from eco-conscious brands but also from mainstream industry players. As sustainability becomes a priority across various sectors, industries such as fashion and automotive are increasingly seeking high-quality recycled materials. While demand from smaller, more cutting-edge brands remains strong, the expanding interest from larger, more conventional companies is promising. This shift is being driven not only by market demand but also by tightening regulations, which are pushing companies across sectors to incorporate more recycled materials into their supply chains—hopefully marking a pivotal step toward mainstream adoption and long-term impact.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in developing a market-ready 3D printing material from end-of-life fishing nets?
One of the biggest challenges has been educating the market about the true capabilities of our recycled materials. Recycled plastics have often been overlooked due to a past flood of cheap, low-grade, but still virgin polymers and printing equipment designed around those materials.
At Fishy Filaments, we believe the value of a material lies in both its mechanical performance and environmental impact. Our recycled nylon, such as OrCA™, has been shown to match or even outperform virgin nylon, while reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 95%.
Now, with the rise of nylon-ready machines like those from Bambulabs, a new market is emerging—one that accepts high-performance materials as a mainstream option and is ready to balance price with sustainability. This shift supports a growing demand for materials that deliver on both fronts: mechanically and environmentally.
What are the most promising or unexpected application areas you’ve seen for your recycled materials?
Image: Fishy Filaments
Our recycled materials have proven to be incredibly versatile, with applications across a wide range of industries. So far, we’ve seen our materials used in fashion, jewellery, automotive parts, lighting (including collaborations with Soho Lighting and Philips Lighting), and eyewear. Additionally, we have provided materials for the likes of Grafmarine, creating intelligent solar panels for use on massive cargo ships.
The potential applications for our recycled nylon are as vast as those for raw nylon—there are almost endless possibilities. As we continue to explore new markets, we are excited about the opportunity to expand and create lasting impact across a wide spectrum of industries.
Looking ahead over the next 5 to 10 years, how do you envision the role of recycled materials evolving within additive manufacturing, and what specific strategies is Fishy Filaments pursuing to help shape that future?
Looking ahead, we believe that recycled and recyclable materials will play a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing, moving from a niche option to a standard across various industries. As sustainability becomes a driving force across sectors, we expect a shift towards circular manufacturing.
To help shape that future, Fishy Filaments focuses on producing low-impact materials and offers a waste take-back scheme for businesses, ensuring our materials remain in circulation rather than contributing to landfill waste. By innovating with low-carbon, engineering-grade materials and championing circular economy principles, we’re helping to drive real change in the industry while meeting the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance materials.
Here you can find further information on Fishy Filaments.
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