From "ocean plastics" to motion plastics: Igus Managing Director Frank Blase and the start-up company mtrl were already dreaming of an urban bicycle made of plastic at the end of the 2000s. Thanks to modern high-performance plastics, it was to be rust-free, lubricant-free and maintenance-free and ride reliably in all weathers. The Dutch circular start-up mtrl (formerly DutchFiets) has been producing circular bicycles made from recyclable plastics since 2015. With cooperation partner Igus at its side, the development of the components began with many new or different ideas.

However, the innovation of the plastic bicycle project is not limited to the bicycle. With its experience in the field of motion plastics, Igus makes plastic bicycle parts available to other manufacturers on its igus:bike platform. The platform also shows the current state of the art and helps bicycle and component manufacturers to network and exchange ideas with each other.

The bike doesn't look much like a normal bicycle. It looks more like something out of a science fiction movie. The plastic frame has no curves, is characterized by angular shapes and is wider than average. The Y-shaped spokes also catch the eye. A futuristic design from mtrl, which has now been awarded the German Design Award 2023 in the "Excellent Product Design - Bicycles and E-Bikes" category. "We are delighted to receive this award, which many innovative and pioneering products have received before us in recent years," says Frank Blase. "The award rewards the mtrl and Igus teams for their innovative spirit and pioneering thinking. After all, an all-plastic bicycle made from recycled plastic would be a major step forward for modern urban mobility," adds Johannes Alderse Baas, founder of mtrl.

The prize is now being awarded for the eleventh time by the German Design Council, a Frankfurt-based foundation established in 1953 on the initiative of the German Bundestag. It supports the economy in achieving added brand value through design. "Outstanding design means providing answers to the challenges of our time and thinking design forward," explains the foundation. "The top-class international jury honors these pioneering design achievements." The award ceremony will take place in February 2023. But what challenge of our time does the bicycle provide the answer to? The world is drowning in plastic waste. Some of the plastic ends up in the sea, enters the food chain and becomes a danger to humans and animals. Another part finds its way into incineration and produces environmentally harmful emissions. It is therefore urgently necessary to turn plastics into a circular economy. The all-plastic bicycle makes this transformation possible.

With high-performance plastics for a long service life

Lightweight and lubrication-free high-performance plastics from Igus are used everywhere on the bike - from ball bearings in the wheel bearings to plain bearings in the brake levers and pedals. All components have integrated solid lubricants and ensure low-friction dry running - without a single drop of lubricating oil. Owners can leave the bike outside in all weathers and clean it in seconds with a garden hose. The bike, which is suitable for everyday use, does not rust and is practically maintenance-free.

Delivery of the first bikes is planned for the end of the first quarter of 2023. An e-bike and a children's model are to follow. Upcycling is also possible with this bike: four children's bikes can be turned into an adult bike. For the future, Igus is planning local production sites around the world near plastic landfills in close cooperation with mtrl.