Plastics manufacturer develops first recyclable plastic bicycle frame
E-bike manufacturer Advanced Bikes is relying on igus for future frame production. As agreed by Helge von Fugler, founder and managing director of Advanced wi8th Jan Philipp Hollmann, head of bike components at igus.
Midrand, Gauteng, SA (31 July 2024) – Industrial polymer developer and manufacturer, igus, has developed the first injection-moulded polymer bicycle frame designed for advanced bikes, a milestone in sustainable mobility. igus collaborated with German e-bike manufacturer Advanced Bikes to create a bicycle frame made entirely of recyclable plastic material using injection moulding technology.
e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular driven by increased environmental awareness. Traditional bicycle frames, predominantly made from steel, aluminium, or carbon fibre, are produced through energy-intensive processes and often end up in landfills.
Advanced Bikes has partnered with igus to develop a sustainable composite plastic bicycle frame for their new Reco Urban trekking e-bike. Leveraging decades of expertise in plastics manufacturing and experience from its previously developed 50% recycled RCYL bike, igus has designed a frame that is both eco-friendly and efficient.
The new bike frame is 3.3 kg
The new frame boasts impressive strength, rigidity, and lightweight properties, thanks to a composite material made from high-performance plastics and carbon fibres. igus utilised a multi-part injection moulding tool to create the complex geometry of the bicycle frame, resulting in a 3.3 kg lightweight, single-piece frame that is corrosion-resistant, durable, and free from weld seams.
The company envisions extending this recyclable approach to other bicycle components like pannier racks, rims, handlebars, and seat posts, aiming to realise a fully recyclable e-bike.
igus’s innovation extends beyond bicycle frames to various components made from lubrication-free high-performance plastics. The technology is being applied to develop new bicycle components such as wheels, cranks and handlebars. These components are lighter, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand high-pressure washing without the risk of lubricant loss or rust.
igus offers a comprehensive solution to the bicycle industry, providing everything from design to the finished product. By utilising high-performance plastic components, igus presents a new technology that allows for innovative design and geometry. – www.igus.co.za
Footwear Industry Articles
- Management changes at Bata SA
Durban, KZN, SA – Bata SA country manager Michael Wyatt has been promoted to president of Bata Africa-Middle East and Bata Industrials.The new Bata SA country manager is Lorraine Dyer, who has over 20 years retail and wholesale experience in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.In a release, Bata SA said “her track re ...moreOthers have taken their placeLouis Trichardt, Limpopo, SA – I do think their drop in business is because they have sidelined all the independents. After all, it was the independents that grew the brand, not the chain groups. With this being said, all other companies have taken advantage and grown to another level. One of those is Puma which has grown so much an ...moreHas Nike’s greed come back to haunt it?Early in July, international media carried reports about a steep fall in Nike’s share price following disappointing results. One was Sky News, which headlined a report: ‘How a series of blunders brought Nike's share price to COVID lows and meant it's being beaten by younger rivals.The iconic sportswear brand has switched away ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- IULTCS announces the appointment of four new Commission Chairs
Each Chairperson was selected due to their dedication, leadership, and vision for the IULTCS organization, these attributes stood out during the election process, and the officers are confident that each one will excel in their new role.As Commission Chairs, they will play a crucial part in shaping the future initiatives, fostering collab ...moreLeather in an evolving automotive market…
Much has been written about the changes that our industry is dealing with, as it undergoes significant transformation to adapt to an evolving market shaped by consumer demand, technological innovation, environmental concerns, and regulation. ...moreNET ZERO LEATHER
The global business community seems determined to reach net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050. The definition of what is net zero and how it can be achieved using off-setting was covered in the magazine before.This article will focus on leather and how it can be a leading material in ensuring that products made from it can be part of ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- Warren Sachs new CEO of Beier Group
Pinetown, KZN, SA (01 August 2024) – The Beier Group, which includes Beier Envirotec, BBF Safety Group, Beier Drawtex Healthcare, and Neucoat, and which manufactures technical textiles, personal protective equipment, and advanced wound care products, has appointed Warren Sachs as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 19 July 2024 ...morePromoting health and safety on construction sites: a vital commitmentCape Town, W. Cape, SA (24 June 2024) – In the wake of a recent construction site tragedy in George where a building collapse resulted in injuries and loss of life, the imperative of prioritising health and safety protocols on construction sites has come sharply into focus. Such incidents underscore the paramount importance of adher ...moreAnticipate LondonLondon, UK – Anticipate London, which incorporates 4 fairs covering security, fire safety, facilities management, health & safety, and risk management, will be held from 02-04 December 2024 at ExCeL London. The fairs are Facilities Show, Firex, IFSEC, and Safety & Health Expo.Among the keynote speakers are Brindha McDonald, ...more
