igus, a leading German manufacturer of high-performance polymers, has unveiled the igus:bike, a revolutionary bicycle made with 90% recycled plastic. This innovation marks a milestone for the company, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of igus India and the 60th anniversary of igus Germany.
The igus:bike is crafted entirely from recycled ocean plastic, offering a solution that is weather-resistant, corrosion-free, and requires no lubrication. With key components such as ball bearings, drives, and freewheels functioning without oil, the igus:bike highlights igus’s dedication to sustainability and technological advancement.
Currently on a global tour spanning 16 countries, the igus:bike arrived in India on January 27, 2025. The tour, which began at igus’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany, aims to demonstrate how plastic waste can be repurposed into valuable resources for future urban mobility.
igus has long been a leader in the development of motion plastics, including bearings, energy chains, and linear guides, which offer lightweight, maintenance-free, and corrosion-resistant alternatives to traditional metal components. These innovations not only improve performance and longevity but also contribute to a significant reduction in energy use and carbon emissions during both production and operation.
The igus:bike is a prime example of how these advanced materials can be applied in real-world products, promoting sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and continuous innovation. The absence of lubrication in its components is a critical step towards sustainability, as lubricants often pollute water sources and harm the environment.
Dr Thilo Schultes, CEO of dry-tech new business at igus, remarked, “The igus:bike is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to advancing the circular economy for plastics. With 60 years of expertise in manufacturing plastic components for movement, we are driving the transformation toward a more sustainable and circular future. Through this global tour, we hope to inspire both companies and consumers to embrace eco-friendly solutions.”
Deepak Paul, Managing Director of igus India, added, “The igus:bike proves that sustainability and innovation can coexist. This world tour not only showcases our technology but also reinforces the idea that plastics, when handled responsibly, can revolutionize industries and drastically reduce environmental impact. Our goal is to encourage people to view plastic as a resource rather than waste.”
The igus:bike’s components are made from up to 50% recycled materials, including plastic waste like fishing nets and shampoo bottles. igus continues to improve the use of recycled materials in its products, striving for a future where plastic waste is repurposed into raw materials for manufacturing.
igus® GmbH develops and produces motion plastics – durable, high-performance polymers that enhance technology and reduce costs in applications where movement is involved. igus is the global leader in products such as energy chains, flexible cables, plain and linear bearings, and lead screw technology.
The family-owned company operates globally, with subsidiaries in 31 countries and a workforce of around 5,000 employees. In 2023, igus generated a turnover of €1.136 billion. The company is also known for its ongoing research, its extensive test labs, and its large inventory of 243,000 products. igus’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through initiatives like the “chainge” program, which recycles used e-chains, and its involvement in projects to produce oil from plastic waste.
