07-27-2015: Innofil3D launched EPR PET filament

Innofil3D was acquired in 2017 by BASF, which created the BASF Forward AM brand based on it.

On July 27, 2015, Dutch filament manufacturer Innofil3D introduced EPR PET filament, while launching a campaign to create more awareness for PET amongst 3D printer users. It was the first material of its kind in the company's offerings and one of the first available on the market overall. For those who don't know, Innofil3D was acquired in 2017 by BASF, which created the BASF Forward AM brand based on it.

Although it may seem strange or funny today, in 2015 PET was considered an exotic material in the world of 3D printing. Initially, it was mainly available in a transparent (and multicolored) version, primarily used for decorative applications like vases.

Despite its obvious technical and chemical advantages, few people took it seriously. In the early years of desktop 3D printing, the market was dominated by PLA and ABS, with the latter being the exclusive choice for the production of functional or engineering parts.

It was only due to the global campaign of 3D printing protective face shields and other medical accessories for doctors and healthcare workers, which was conducted worldwide in 2020 during the C19 pandemic, that PET gained great popularity, becoming one of the most frequently used filaments for 3D printing.

Innofil3D B.V. was established in 2014 as a spin-off of Applied Polymer Innovations BV. The company formed "The Big Four" of Dutch filament manufacturers, alongside Dutch Filaments (acquired by Mitsubishi Chemicals), colorFabb, and Formfutura. In August 2017, Innofil3D was acquired by BASF, which incorporated it into its 3D printing dedicated subsidiary. This subsidiary soon became Forward AM, which became an independent company in July this year.