Chile-based company Qactus focuses on sustainable manufacturing through 3D printing using exclusively recycled filaments. Founded in 2017, the team’s goal was to introduce innovative solutions to the problem of plastic pollution. By leveraging advanced 3D printing techniques, Qactus aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional manufacturing processes. The company is dedicated to creating high-quality products while minimising waste and promoting the use of eco-friendly materials. In an interview with 3Druck.com, co-founder Héctor Loyola shares his insights into the additive manufacturing industry.
Qactus was founded seven years ago by Héctor Loyola and his two business partners after they graduated from the University of Santiago. The ambitious team wanted to bring new solutions to the global problem of plastic pollution, and found the idea of combining plastic waste with technology to add value to the waste very appealing.
At the moment, the company mainly creates merchandising for a variety of companies such as BMW, Ikea, Google and Microsoft. Their main products include pins, key chains and trophies.
Although Qactus’ current focus is on merchandise and corporate gifts, the company is increasingly providing technical solutions to other industries such as mining, construction and healthcare.
Interview with co-founder Héctor Loyola
In an interview with 3Druck.com, Commercial Chief and CMO Héctor Loyola, shares his views on sustainable manufacturing and outlines the innovations within the additive manufacturing sector that really push local on-demand manufacturing forward.
How do you see 3D printing contributing to a more sustainable future?
Qactus co-founder Héctor Loyola
Our entire business has been built around 3D printing with sustainability in mind, so for us the two concepts go hand in hand. We see every day how this technology is bringing new solutions to companies in an innovative and environmentally friendly way, without the waste and carbon footprint associated with traditional manufacturing and shipping. This is especially relevant in a country like Chile, which is largely an importer of goods.
3D printing has proven to be the best way to produce locally, and this capability will only improve over time. For me, this is its main contribution to sustainability, which is further enhanced by the use of recycled materials.
Additive manufacturing has developed continuously over the last few years. Which innovations or technological breakthroughs do you consider to be particularly important for local on-demand manufacturing of products?
In my experience, the most significant advances have been in high-speed and multi-colour printing. These innovations have really opened up business opportunities for us, allowing us to deliver the designs our clients want within a reasonable timeframe.
First Corona and now high inflation are major challenges for the whole industry. How do you think the multiple crises will affect the additive manufacturing industry?
I don’t think these crises will have a significant impact on 3D printing as long as it continues to be used to create products and solutions that society needs. This was evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, when we successfully developed a 3D printed mask in 2020 (the NanoHack).
As 3D printing is an extremely versatile technology, I believe there will always be room for new and innovative solutions in every context.
What impact do you think additive manufacturing will have on different industries and possibly society as a whole in the coming years?
Without a doubt, 3D printing will become a key player in various industries within a few years. It is clearly demonstrating its ability to provide better and faster solutions than traditional manufacturing methods. If it continues to improve at its current pace, it will permeate every aspect of our lives.
I see society demanding more and more customised solutions, and 3D printing is the ideal technology to fill these gaps. There is no doubt that it has a very promising future.
