Sustainability You Can Smell: Kexcelled’s New Coffee, Tea, and Bamboo Filaments
When you think about choosing your 3D printing filament, chances are you’re not thinking about how it smells. But now, 3D printing materials manufacturer Kexcelled has released a line of filaments designed to please more than just the eyes: the K5™ Eco-Aesthetic Series. This new range includes coffee, tea, and bamboo-based filaments that are not only aromatic but also eco-friendly. So, what makes these materials sustainable, and how do they perform in practice?
The K5™ Eco-Aesthetic Series includes three PLA filaments: bamboo, coffee, and tea. Each contains 10 percent recycled waste from its namesake material; bamboo fiber, coffee grounds, or tea residue; reducing the filament’s carbon footprint and promoting a circular economy. An added benefit? The coffee and tea filaments release a subtle, natural aroma during printing, a welcome change from the typical chemical scent of heated polymers.
PLA Coffee is available in 3 colors: Light Roast, Medium Roast, and Dark Roast.
Beyond their scent, the filaments also offer natural finishes that appeal to designers seeking organic textures and tones. Think of surfaces that evoke coffee, tea, or wood grain, ideal for aesthetic FDM applications.
A Blend of Nature and Innovation
Kexcelled, known for its broad portfolio of high-quality filaments and resins, has been active in the industry for over a decade. The K5™ Eco-Aesthetic Series marks the company’s first foray into sensory filaments and its most sustainability-focused line to date. Unlike other “wood” or “bio-based” PLAs, these materials balance environmental responsibility with a multi-sensory experience.
The bamboo filament, though unscented, offers enhanced mechanical properties thanks to bamboo fiber reinforcement. Possible applications range from home decor and artistic sculptures to sustainable packaging prototypes and educational models. Designers, educators, and eco-conscious brands alike may find inspiration in these materials’ tactile and aesthetic qualities.
PLA Tea is available in 2 colors.
Collaborations and What’s Next
The series also represents a noteworthy collaboration in the 3D printing sector. For the tea-based filament, Kexcelled has partnered with tea producer Master Kong, ensuring a steady supply of recycled tea residue.
This new line isn’t just a novelty. It reflects Kexcelled’s broader commitment to sustainability and innovation. The K5™ Eco-Aesthetic Series has already undergone pre-launch testing by partners in the design and creative communities to assess print quality and sensory appeal. The products are expected to hit the market in early 2026.
And for those attending Formnext in Frankfurt, visitors can touch, see, and smell the new filaments firsthand at Hall 12.1, Stand C22. For more information on the K5™ Eco-Aesthetic Series, click HERE.
PLA Bamboo is available in 1 color.
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*All Photo Credits: Kexcelled
