Recycling Fabrik
German startup running a closed-loop recycling system for FDM 3D printing waste (PLA, PETG) — collecting failed prints and spool remnants from makers and businesses, processing them into 100% recycled rPLA and rPETG filament.
- CEO / Founder
- Rudolf Leue
- Team Size
- 1-10
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- Bootstrapped
- Latest Round
- Bootstrapped
- Key Investors
- private individuals with circular economy expertise, city of Braunschweig sponsorship
Technology & Products
Key Products
rPLA (100% recycled FDM filament, multiple colors); rPETG (100% recycled FDM filament); EverLoop premium recycled filament line (matte, translucent variants); recycled granules for industrial clients; custom RAL color production; take-back service (prepaid shipping labels); B2B invoicing for businesses and educational institutions; points-based loyalty/discount program for recyclers
Technological Advantage
Integrated collection-to-filament recycling pipeline under one roof (mechanical recycling: sort → granulate → extrude); 13+ tonnes/month processing capacity; 1,500 sqm industrial facility; lightweight 3D-printed reusable spools (saves 200–250g/kg vs. cardboard spools); CO₂-neutral shipping; take-back logistics infrastructure creates recurring supply pipeline.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Closed-loop take-back service that converts 3D printing waste (PLA, PETG) into high-quality recycled filament — reducing material costs and waste disposal burden for makers, SMEs, and manufacturers; Made in Germany quality.
How They Differentiate
Only dedicated take-back + recycling + filament production company in Germany; fully integrated under one roof; serves both B2C and B2B; loyalty/points system creates recurring supplier relationships; Made in Germany production with CO2-neutral shipping; EverLoop premium line extends beyond basic recycled commodity.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Individual makers, prosumers, SMEs, and commercial manufacturers in 3D printing; educational institutions; companies seeking closed-loop material cycles and sustainability credentials
Industry Verticals
Additive Manufacturing; Sustainability / Circular Economy; Education
Competitors
NefilaTek (Canada); Reflow (Netherlands); Filamentive (UK)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Founded April 2021; facility grew from 60 sqm → 1,500 sqm (25x); team grew to 10+ people; 13 tonnes/month recycling throughput; share capital grew from €4,000 (UG) to €25,000 (GmbH); active B2C and B2B sales channels; 10% early-adopter discount program
Major Milestones
2021-04: Founded in Braunschweig by Rudolf Leue, Jonas Kieserling, and Jörn van Leeuwen; Started in 60 sqm; Relocated to 150 sqm; Relocated to 1,500 sqm Kralenriede industrial area; Converted from UG (€4,000 capital) to GmbH (€25,000 capital); 2024: 2024 Special Prize in Sustainability at Braunschweig Founder Prize; Formnext 2024 and 2025 exhibitor; Reached 13+ tonnes/month recycling capacity; Launched EverLoop premium recycled filament line