TOP SEARCH EN Breadcrumb Home Impact Research, Reports & Policies Impact Overview Planet People Partnerships Financial open_in_new Research, Reports & Policies UNGC & SDGs RESEARCH, REPORTS & POLICIES Key sustainability documents Materialise is committed to investing in research to better understand how 3D printing and our solutions can have an impact. Discover our latest Research Results, Sustainability Report, and our Supply Chain, Conflict Minerals and Environmental Policies. Research results In 2020, in partnership with BASF, we completed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the production of one million pairs of shoe midsoles, assessing the environmental impact in all stages of the product life. In collaboration with Nyenrode Business University and the consultancy PerfoVision, we also completed a separate study comparing the 3D printing technology of Selective Laser Sintering with CNC for eyewear. To date, although there is little empirical research, it has been generally assumed that 3D Printing is an environmentally friendly technology. However, according to our recent LCA research, for large series of identical products, 3D printing is currently not the most sustainable choice. At the same time, our research also indicates that 3D printing typically offers advantages for producing smaller or customized series. For more info, we invite you to watch the recording from our “Think In” series. The full reports are still pending and will be published here once they’re available. In the future, we will continue with further LCA research. We recognize it’s critical in clarifying our impact and ensuring that we invest in the most relevant innovation and technologies to make the 3D printing process more sustainable. Download the eyewear study Photo: Cabrio for Yuniku by Hoet Design Studio Sustainability report As a signatory of the UN Global Compact, we’ve been reporting annually on our sustainability initiatives and progress since 2017. Download our latest report Visit our company profile Supply chain policy The Materialise Supply Chain Policy aims to foster sustainable procurement and support the driving elements that shape us as a company: innovation, co-creation, people, and quality. It requires that our suppliers share data regarding their sustainability programs, and encourages them to be accountable, ethical, and respectful of human rights. Each year, we review and update our supply chain policy, as required. Select and download policy (PDF): file_download Materialise Worldwide Supply Chain Policy file_download Materialise UK OrthoView Labour Standards Policy file_download Materialise UK OrthoView Supply Chain Policy Conflict minerals policy Materialise is conscious that a limited number of its products may contain tin, tantalum, tungsten, or gold. Products containing one or more of these elements include consumer products printed through our i.materialise online 3D printing services. Materialise ensures that such products do not contain Conflict Minerals sourced from mines that support or fund conflict within the Democratic Republic of Congo or adjoining countries. Therefore, it is our policy: Not to purchase products and materials containing conflict minerals directly from mines or smelters. To undertake due diligence to ensure our suppliers have the same commitment to their products and supply chains. To give preference to suppliers that guarantee their products to be free of conflict minerals. Photo: Ring Tree by Blueberries © Adéla Havelková Managing our environmental impact Through our Environmental Policy and our ISO 14001:2015 certificate, we’ve made an official commitment to protect the environment and to comply with European environmental legislation, regulations, and customer specific requirements in all of our operations, processes, and services. Download Environmental Policy Download ISO 14001 certificate Footer PRODUCTS & SERVICES Software Medical Manufacturing Advisory Services INDUSTRIES Aerospace & Aeronautics Architecture Art & Fashion Automotive Biomechanics & Orthotics CAD/PLM Consumer Goods Eyewear Healthcare Machinery & Equipment 3D Printing Service Providers & Contract Manufacturers ABOUT MATERIALISE About Materialise Mission & Values Careers Impact Quality Investor Relations Contact us NEWS & EVENTS Press Blog Events Case studies Connect with Materialise: © Copyright Materialise 2021 Disclaimer menu block Cookie Statement Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Legal Disclaimer Copyright and Trademarks By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Statement Accept All Cookies Cookies Settings