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Recycling
We consider it our corporate duty to protect the environment and conserve resources - especially as a company that processes plastics. One of our company goals is zero plastic waste. To achieve this goal, igus pursues various strategies:
Mechanical recycling
One way to recycle plastics is mechanical recycling, also known as material recycling. The aim of this method is the recovery or reuse of plastics without changing the chemical structure of the material. The plastics are separated by type, shredded, melted down and turned into recyclate. This recyclate then serves as a raw material for the production of new plastic products.
chainge recycling platform
With chainge, we have launched a recycling platform that makes the recycling of technical and industrial plastics particularly easy and thus supports the circular economy. On our platform, you can have plastics recycled from both igus products and products from other manufacturers. You also have the opportunity to buy and sell recyclates on our marketplace. The platform is rounded off by our network, which you can join as a recycling partner. Become a chainger now!
Recycle industrial plastics now – it's easy
Sustainable action is an important topic that we want to promote in the German economy. To this end, we have created a white paper that explains the most important terms for correct recycling and shows the importance of plastics, including recycled plastics, in Germany. We also present a simple way to recycle technical and industrial plastics and to buy and sell recyclates to complete the circular economy.
igus:bike made from recycled plastic
New bikes for a new era: with our igus:bike and the igus:bike platform, we want to promote sustainable urban mobility. Our bicycle consists of over 90% plastic, which is mostly recycled plastic waste. It is not only robust and durable, but also good for the environment as it is low-maintenance, corrosion-resistant and requires no additional lubrication. With the platform, we show the current state of the art and help bicycle and component manufacturers network and exchange information with each other. Want to find out more?
Chemical recycling
Chemical recycling is another type of plastic recycling, which is often referred to as raw-material recycling. As the name suggests, the chemical structure of the material is changed. The plastics are broken down into their original raw materials, which can then be reused for different purposes.
Hydro-PRT: Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Technology
In 2020, igus invested in the company Mura Technology Limited, which uses a new technology for recycling plastics: Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Technology, or Hydro-PRT for short. This can convert unsorted plastic waste into crude oil within 30 minutes. The entire process works in a resource-conserving way with water, high temperatures and high pressure. The first large-scale plant in Teesside, England, will be commissioned in 2026.
Further recycling measures
When it comes to recycling, we don't just want to restrict ourselves to our main material, plastic. We are also pushing ahead other measures to ensure that our production is as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible.
reguse: Recycling of discarded electrical appliances
With a company as large as igus, you can't avoid disposing of devices, which become electronic waste. Unfortunately, this amounts to 5 tonnes per year - at least, it did until 2019. Our trainees then took up the issue and started their own trainee company with reguse. Here, electrical appliances that are still in working order, such as laptops, PCs and monitors, are reconditioned and sold to igus employees at little cost, or donated to schools and associations. The proceeds are used for sustainable projects.
Products made from recycled materials
Consulting
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igus Australia1300 726 244Write e-mail
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