igus, a leader in motion plastics, is transitioning its full E2.1 standard energy chain series to the sustainable, recycled material igumid CG LW. This strategic move follows the company’s successful launch of the world’s first energy chain made from recycled plastic in 2022.
Aligned with the European Union’s objective of establishing a climate-neutral, circular economy by 2050, igus is demonstrating the viability of circular materials today. The E2.1 series will now be manufactured entirely from igumid CG LW, a material produced using post-consumer recyclates—including discarded fishing nets and worn-out energy chains—processed through igus’ proprietary Chainge recycling program.
The new material offers mechanical properties, durability, and wear resistance equivalent to the previous standard—without any increase in cost. The E2.1 series remains notable for its long service life, low-noise operation, and ease of assembly and maintenance.
“With this transition, we are enabling our customers to actively participate in the plastics circular economy,” states Jörg Ottersbach, Head of Business Unit e-chains at igus. “This initiative proves that sustainability and economic efficiency can go hand in hand.”
The use of igumid CG LW reduces the carbon footprint by up to 80% compared to conventional materials. This shift supports igus’ broader environmental strategy, which encompasses all sustainability scopes—from utilizing renewable energy to infrastructure improvements such as e-charging stations and energy-efficient buildings.
Since 2019, igus has operated the Chainge program, reclaiming used energy chains from all manufacturers. In 2022, the program expanded with an online platform allowing customers to recycle additional technical plastic components and purchase reprocessed material. To date, approximately 170 tonnes of plastic have been recovered. These efforts have earned igus multiple sustainability awards, including the Rhineland Business Prize and first place in the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s “Going Circular” competition.
igus GmbH specializes in the development and production of motion plastics—lubrication-free, high-performance polymers that enhance technology and reduce costs in any application involving movement. As the global leader in energy supply systems, highly flexible cables, plain and linear bearings, and lead screw technology made from tribo-polymers, igus provides innovative solutions across various industries. Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, this family-owned company operates in 31 countries and employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide. In 2023, igus achieved a turnover of €1.136 billion.
The company’s commitment to innovation is fueled by research conducted in its industry-leading test laboratories, resulting in increased reliability and new solutions for users. With 243,000 parts available from stock and the ability to predict service life online, igus continues to push the boundaries of technology. Recent expansions include internal start-ups in ball bearings, robot gearboxes, 3D printing, the RBTX platform for low-cost robotics, and smart plastics for Industry 4.0. Additionally, igus has made significant environmental investments, such as the “chainge” platform for recycling technical plastics and partial ownership in a company producing oil from plastic waste.
