~ Innovation in polymers helps plastic reduce environmental pollution and improve sustainability by reducing the requirement of metal parts and lubricants ~
Bengaluru, India, 30th January 2025: igus, a German manufacturing company, who are involved in manufacturing of high-performance polymers unveiled a Bicycle made from 90% plastic on the occasion of its 25th year of igus India and 60th anniversary in igus Germany.
The igus: bike is made of recycled plastic waste, which are weather-resistant, corrosion-free, and require no lubrication. With components such as ball bearings, drives, and freewheels that operate without oil, the bicycle is testimony to igus’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The bicycle, which is currently on a global tour across 16 countries, arrived in India on 27th January 2025. The world tour officially started from the headquarters in Cologne, Germany. Over the year, the igus:bike will travel across the globe to showcase how plastic waste can be transformed into valuable resources for future urban mobility.
The Technology
igus innovates in polymers, designing and manufacturing components such as bearings, energy chains, and linear guides that offer a lightweight, maintenance-free, and corrosion-resistant alternative to traditional metal counterparts. These innovations not only enhance efficiency and durability but also significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint during production and use.
These components do not require lubrication – a massive step in sustainability. Lubricants are environmentally harmful, and often end up in water sources, creating issues.
The igus:bike is an example of how such polymers can work in real-world applications, and help promote sustainability, cost efficiency and innovation.
Dr. Thilo Schultes, CEO, dry-tech new business, igus said, “igus:bike is a testament to the company’s efforts in advancing the circular economy for plastics. As a company with 60 years of expertise in manufacturing industrial components for movement from plastic, we are committed to driving the transformation to a sustainable circular economy for plastic. The igus:bike represents a significant milestone in this journey. Through this world tour, we aim to inspire companies and consumers alike to embrace sustainable solutions.”
Mr. Deepak Paul, Managing Director, igus said, “igus:bike have proven that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand. With this innovation, our team has proven that the circular economy is not just an aspiration but an achievable reality. This world tour is more than just a showcase of our technology, our goal is to show the world that plastics, when managed responsibly, have the potential to revolutionize industries and reduce environmental impact. We also aim to inspire consumers to see plastic as a resource, not waste.”
igus is committed to driving the transformation towards a sustainable circular economy for plastics. The igus:bike® exemplifies this commitment. Up to 50% of the bicycle’s components are manufactured from recycled materials, including plastic waste like fishing nets and shampoo bottles. igus researchers are continuously working to increase this percentage, paving the way for a future where plastic waste becomes a source of raw materials.
About igus
igus® GmbH develops and manufactures motion plastics – wear-resistant, high-performance polymers that improve technology and reduce costs wherever things move. From energy chains and highly flexible cables to plain and linear bearings and lead screw technology, igus® is the global market leader in these product lines. The family-run company operates internationally with subsidiaries in 31 countries and employs around 5,000 people worldwide. In 2023, igus® generated a turnover of €1.136 billion. Constant research in the industry’s largest test laboratories delivers continuous innovations, while 243,000 products are available from stock with online service life calculation tools. Recent years have seen the company expand into new areas with internal startups focusing on ball bearings, robot drives, 3D printing, the RBTX platform for Lean Robotics, and intelligent “smart plastics” for Industry 4.0. Among igus®’ most significant environmental investments are the “chainge” program for recycling used e-chains and participation in an enterprise that produces oil from plastic waste.
