Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it is a necessity. Companies across the globe are striving to reduce their environmental impact, and igus® is no exception.
Known for its high-performance plastic components, igus® has made signi cant strides in integrating sustainability into its operations and products. is article explores the many ways igus® is contributing to a greener future through innovative practices and sustainable initiatives.
When igus® was first founded in 1964, environmental protection was not a primary focus but over time, sustainability has become a core aspect of the business strategy and today igus® is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, minimising waste to land ll, and promoting the use of eco-friendly materials. With customers in all industries becoming more socially responsible, large companies are being called out for the ways they have avoided taking responsibility for their impact on the environment.
Dedicated to leading by example in the manufacturing industry, igus® has prioritised sustainable practices and set targets to be carbon-neutral with their main production site in 2025.
Impressive recycling program
One of the standout features of its sustainability efforts is the impressive recycling program; chainge. The chainge program gives customers the ability to return energy chains to igus® to be recycled. is creates a circular economy whereby igus® products can be remade and continue to serve a purpose rather than ending up in land ll.
Customers send back their used and worn energy chains and then receive a voucher to use against their next order. The energy chain is then prepared for regrinding and turned into granules ready for injection moulding again.
As well as recycling igus® energy chains, the company will take competitor energy chains too. As a result of the program, 100% recycled products were able to be added to the energy chain portfolio. Capitalising on high-performance plastic as sustainable and resource-saving, igus® reuses 99% of its plastic waste by processing it into granulate material, which is then recycled back into the production process. This not only reduces waste but conserves resources and energy.
The product range
The igus® product range is designed with customer pain points in mind. The firm’s high-performance plastics not only offer environmental benefits over traditional materials but are also lubrication and maintenance-free, saving time and money.
Traditional metal components often need frequent lubrication which can be harmful to the environment whereas igus® products have solid lubricants already in the material, eliminating the need for messy external lubricants, therefore reducing environmental pollution.
igus® components are also significantly lighter than their metal counterparts and this weight reduction translates into lower fuel consumption, greater freedom in design stages, and reduced CO emissions in industries such as automotive and aerospace. Moreover, these components are designed to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and further conserving resources.
Some of the most recent sustainable innovations include the new slewing ring bearing made of WPC (Wood-Plastic-Composite) and the cradle-chain, the first energy chain made from recycled material. Containing solid lubricants that make it smooth-running, lubricant and maintenance-free, the plastic and wood mix slewing bearing provides an alternative to the entirely plastic PRT of the same price and has the added benefit of a low carbon footprint. The cradle-chain is a product of the chainge recycling program, made using the new resource-saving igumid CG material with almost identical technical specifications as the standard igumid G material.
igus® is continuously exploring new ways to enhance its sustainability efforts, from planting trees in Brackmills Industrial Estate to partaking in organised litter picks across Northampton, maintaining its position as a forward-thinking company.
From recycling and energy efficiency to impressive new product designs, igus® is setting a benchmark for eco-friendly practices in the industry. As it continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with high-performance plastics, igus® is not only improving technology but also contributing to a more sustainable future for its customers.
Internal values
Efforts to minimise the impact of igus® on the environment are not limited to external initiatives. Inside igus®, there are systems and schemes in place for employees to make eco-friendly choices daily. Across the business, employees are encouraged to ‘Go digital’ and keep paper use to a minimum. Much of the work done across the business can be done digitally, from teams calls across the world to connect with igus® subsidiaries to a Microsoft Teams chat thread that can replace a paper trail.
Alongside daily practices like recycling, there are also companywide incentives such as the Green Commuting Scheme which allows employees to log the amount of ‘green routes’ they do in a month whether this be walking, cycling or car sharing to reduce carbon emissions and, as a result, employees can be in with a chance to win a voucher, recognising their efforts to travel with the environment in mind.
Overall, igus® consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and the variety of ways it puts these values into practice highlights the rm’s dedication to reducing waste and conserving resources. From eco-friendly operations to product design, igus® not only addresses customer demands for socially responsible practices but also sets a benchmark for the manufacturing industry as a whole.
As igus® continues to grow and push the boundaries of sustainable technology, it is paving the way for a more environmentally responsible industry and a healthier planet.
Find out more at the company website here.
