Stratasys Earns Gold, Sets Sustainability Bar for 3D Printing

MINNETONKA, Minn. & REHOVOT, Israel – February 26, 2026 – Additive manufacturing leader Stratasys Ltd. has secured a prestigious Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis, a leading assessor of business sustainability. The achievement marks a significant upgrade from the company's previous Silver status and places it in the top 5% of more than 150,000 organizations evaluated globally, signaling a new benchmark for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance within the 3D printing industry.

The EcoVadis assessment is a rigorous evaluation of a company's sustainability management systems across four key pillars: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. For Stratasys, this Gold Medal is not just an accolade but a validation of a deep, multi-year commitment to integrating responsible practices into the core of its operations and product offerings.

A New Benchmark for Green Manufacturing

Stratasys's accomplishment arrives as the entire additive manufacturing sector grapples with its environmental footprint and potential. While the technology has long been touted for its ability to reduce waste compared to traditional subtractive methods, leading companies are now under pressure to provide quantifiable proof of their green credentials. This EcoVadis Gold Medal provides Stratasys with a powerful, third-party-verified differentiator in a competitive market.

The industry landscape is increasingly focused on sustainability. Competitors like Germany's EOS have developed tools to calculate the carbon dioxide output of 3D printing versus conventional manufacturing, while HP emphasizes material reusability in its Multi Jet Fusion technology. Other major players, including 3D Systems and Carbon, are also promoting the benefits of localized, on-demand production to reduce supply chain emissions and waste.

However, Stratasys's top-tier rating from a globally recognized authority like EcoVadis, which uses standards from the Global Reporting Initiative and the UN Global Compact, sets a new standard. It demonstrates a comprehensive and mature approach that goes beyond the inherent benefits of the technology itself.

“Through our Mindful Manufacturing™ commitment, we’re building the evidence-based, data-driven responsible business practices that our customers and strategic stakeholders increasingly expect from a future-ready manufacturing partner,” said Rosa Coblens, Vice President, Sustainability and Communications, Stratasys. “Earning the EcoVadis Gold Medal and ranking in the top 5% globally is an important recognition of the hard and dedicated work our global teams have done to strengthen sustainability infrastructures across the company.”

Inside the 'Mindful Manufacturing' Strategy

The upgrade from Silver to Gold was driven by tangible progress across several key areas, underpinned by the company's "Mindful Manufacturing" philosophy. This strategy aims to thoughtfully redesign processes, parts, and supply chains using 3D printing to maximize sustainability while fostering business growth.

A critical advancement was the expansion of its emissions reporting. Stratasys's latest ESG report features its first year-over-year disclosure of Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which covers the entire value chain—from purchased goods and services to transportation and the end-of-life treatment of its products. This comprehensive analysis, which spans 11 value chain categories and is verified by third parties, offers a transparent look at the company's total environmental impact, a level of detail that is becoming a new standard for corporate accountability.

The company has also deepened its engagement with suppliers on ESG matters, ensuring its commitment to sustainability extends throughout its supply chain. This is complemented by ongoing Life Cycle Analyses (LCAs) to scientifically measure and reduce the environmental impact of its products, such as its peer-reviewed study on PolyJet™ technology. These LCAs provide critical data for improving product design, material selection, and manufacturing processes from cradle to grave.

This data-driven approach is being translated into practical tools for customers. For instance, the company's GrabCAD Print software now includes a feature to estimate carbon emissions for each part printed with FDM technology, empowering users to make more environmentally conscious decisions during the design and production phases. Other key initiatives include a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) printer program to extend product lifecycles, and the SAF ReLife system, which enables the complete reuse of PA12 powder on its H350 machines, drastically reducing material waste. In 2024 alone, Stratasys recycled or reconditioned 477 metric tons of materials through its various take-back and trade-in programs.

The Weight of Gold: Accountability and Market Impact

Achieving an EcoVadis Gold Medal carries significant weight in today's business climate, where ESG performance is increasingly linked to financial performance and brand reputation. For customers, it serves as a reliable indicator that they are partnering with a supplier committed to sustainable and ethical operations. As corporations face mounting pressure to decarbonize their own supply chains, partnering with highly-rated suppliers like Stratasys becomes a strategic advantage.

The tangible results of these efforts are clear. Stratasys reported a 23.1% reduction in its overall carbon footprint between 2023 and 2024, avoided 653 metric tons of CO2 equivalent through renewable energy use, and reduced its water consumption intensity by 15%. Such metrics are no longer just for sustainability reports; they are key performance indicators that influence procurement decisions and attract investment.

From an investor perspective, strong ESG credentials are a sign of a resilient, forward-thinking company. The rigorous, standardized methodology of EcoVadis provides investors with reliable, comparable data to assess non-financial risks and opportunities. A high rating suggests robust management systems, a proactive approach to regulatory changes, and a strong alignment with global market trends favoring sustainability. This can lead to increased investor confidence and access to capital from ESG-focused funds.

Additive Manufacturing's Sustainable Future

Stratasys's achievement highlights a broader trend in which additive manufacturing is solidifying its role as a key enabler of a more sustainable industrial future. The fundamental principles of the technology are inherently aligned with the goals of the circular economy. By building objects layer by layer, AM processes can use up to 65% less material than conventional methods, drastically cutting down on waste.

The technology also unlocks new possibilities in design optimization. Engineers can use tools like topology optimization to create parts that are significantly lighter yet just as strong as their traditionally manufactured counterparts. In sectors like aerospace and automotive, this lightweighting translates directly into improved fuel efficiency and lower lifetime emissions for vehicles and aircraft.

Furthermore, 3D printing is a powerful catalyst for decentralizing production. By enabling on-demand manufacturing closer to the point of need, companies can shrink their global supply chains, reducing transportation costs and associated carbon emissions. This shift toward localized production not only benefits the environment but also builds more resilient and agile operations, mitigating risks from geopolitical disruptions or logistical bottlenecks. As the industry continues to innovate with more recyclable materials and energy-efficient machines, its potential to drive a paradigm shift in manufacturing will only continue to grow.