Industrial parts maker igus rolls out ocean-waste bike
8 Nov 2024
Launches world tour with bicycle incorporating 50% plastics recycled from discarded fishing nets
London – Igus, a German manufacturer of ‘lubrication-free industrial components – including parts used in tire plants – has developed “the world's first bicycle made using recycled plastics.”
Initially produced using 50% recycled ocean plastic from discarded fishing nets, the igus:bike “is a permanent development project," said Matthew Aldridge, managing director of the company’s UK operation.
The individual bicycle components – from the frame to the bearings and drive crank – are manufactured using rotational and injection moulding, Aldridge explained at a 1 Nov press event in London.
The ultimate goal, he said, is to establish local production of the bike near waste plants globally and to use plastics waste from landfills worldwide in the future.
According to igus, its materials team aims to gradually increase the percentage of recycled plastics used in the bike, using other waste resources such as packaging.
To mark the 60th anniversary of igus’ factory in Cologne this October, the igus:bike embarked on a year-long world tour, with planned stops in countries including Germany, Italy, China and the UK.
The aim, said igus, is to show “that plastics do not have to end up in incineration or landfill and instead can help shape the transport of tomorrow. “
According to igus, its lubrication-free plastics parts are used in tire plants for applications, including energy transfer, cable guidance & protection, and bearing solutions for all types of movement.
