igus unveils the world’s first bicycle made from recycled ocean plastics

By Staff Report January 29, 2025 12:02 pm IST

Up to 50 percent of the bicycle’s components are manufactured from recycled materials, including plastic waste like fishing nets and shampoo bottles.

igus, a German manufacturing company involved in the manufacture of high-performance polymers, unveiled a bicycle made from 90% plastic on the occasion of its 25th year in India and 60th anniversary in Germany. 

The igus:bike is made of recycled plastic waste, which is weather-resistant, corrosion-free, and requires no lubrication. With components such as ball bearings, drives, and freewheels that operate without oil, the bicycle displays igus’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The bicycle, 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 improve efficiency and durability while reducing 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 be used in real-world applications and help promote sustainability, cost efficiency, and innovation.

Dr Thilo Schultes, CEO of 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.”

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 an achievable reality. This world tour is more than a showcase of our technology, our goal is to show the world that plastics, when managed responsibly, have the potential to revolutionise industries and reduce environmental impact. We also aim to inspire consumers to see plastic as a resource, not waste.” 

The igus:bike® exemplifies the sustainability commitment as 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.