igus, a leader in motion plastics, is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation by unveiling PTFE-free materials, a fully recycled energy chain series, and a new dry cleanroom certification at Hannover Messe 2025. Amid economic uncertainties and growing environmental responsibilities, igus continues to drive advancements in cost-effective and eco-friendly industrial solutions.
igus has long championed sustainable materials and innovative product development. In response to rising regulatory concerns around PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), the company has introduced PTFE-free alternatives across its iglidur standard materials, including J, W300, M250, G, X, and H. These new formulations offer improved performance while eliminating PFAS compounds, ensuring a more environmentally responsible solution for manufacturers.
Building on its successful launch of the first recycled energy chain in 2022, igus is now transitioning its entire E2.1 energy chain series to igumid CG LW, a high-performance material derived from recycled old energy chains and discarded fishing nets. This initiative supports the circular economy while maintaining the same durability and mechanical properties as standard materials. Additionally, the recycled E2.1 series will be priced the same as conventional chains, proving that sustainability does not have to come at a premium.
“With this recycled chain series, we offer our customers a practical way to participate in the circular economy while enjoying the same performance and cost-efficiency as traditional solutions,” said Michael Blass, CEO of E-Chain Systems at igus.
igus is also pioneering advancements in cleanroom applications—a critical need for battery production in the growing electric vehicle sector. The company has developed a new cleanroom certification in collaboration with Fraunhofer IPA, ensuring that igus e-chains maintain ISO Class 4 standards even after 15 million double strokes. This durability far exceeds industry expectations, minimizing maintenance costs and downtime for manufacturers.
Beyond cleanroom innovations, igus is investing in low-cost automation, AGVs for material handling, and the world’s first traveling shore power connection system for container ships, reinforcing its role as a global leader in sustainable industrial automation.
Headquartered in Cologne, Germany, igus specializes in lubrication-free, high-performance motion plastics that enhance efficiency and reduce costs across industries. With a presence in 31 countries and over 5,000 employees worldwide, the company generated a turnover of €1.136 billion in 2023. igus continues to push the boundaries of innovation through initiatives like the Chainge recycling program and investments in plastic-to-oil conversion technology, ensuring a greener and more efficient future for industrial applications.
