This Bike Will Never Rust Since Most Of It Is Recycled Plastic

German manufacturer igus has debuted a bicycle made entirely from recycled products in collaboration with bike producer MTRL. igus manufactures plastic tools and hence understands the importance of moving away from plastic.  

90% of the bike has been made from recycled plastic, with the help of 3D-printing for various parts. For example, the frame of the bike was made of 100% plastic; so have the rim brakes and the belt, which has been reinforced with carbon to give it a longer life. The nature of the vehicle would mean that it would never rust nor require lubrication, making it easier to maintain and own. 

The igus:bike itself, as it is called, is also recyclable. This means that should the owner decide to get rid of it, it will be without guilt as it can be completely reprocessed. A chip is embedded into each unit, which can be brought back to the developer for a deposit and the bicycle will be turned into raw materials for a new one.  

However, the construction of the bike was not without its own challenges. igus had to come up with a design that not only looked good but could also perform as well as any bike would. With the use of lightweight, lubrication-free plastics, the two-wheeler would not need any oil lubricants for its gears or bearings to work properly. Sand, dust, and gravel will also not harm its performance.  

igus hopes to use its igus:bike platform to work with other bike manufacturers and guide engineers into a future that is sustainable and green.  

[via Plastics Technology and The Manufacturer, cover image via MTLR]