igus Lowers CO2 Footprint by 80% Through Switch to Recycled Material
Transition to igumid CG LW recycled plastic maintains the mechanical performance and price of the original E2.1 series
27 March 2025 – Following the successful introduction of the world’s first e-chain® cable carrier made entirely from recycled plastic, igus has announced the complete transition of its standard E2.1 e-chain series to the new recycled material, igumid® CG LW. This shift aligns with the European Union’s objective of establishing a circular and climate-neutral economy by 2050.
A circular economy emphasizes the “cradle-to-cradle” approach, returning consumables to the natural and technical cycles to conserve resources. By fully converting its E2.1 e-chain series to recycled material in spring 2025, igus demonstrates its commitment to sustainable innovation. The company initially introduced e-chains from recycled materials in 2022 and is now expanding this initiative to its entire E2.1 range.
Recycled Material Matches Performance and Price of Original Product
The sustainable igumid CG LW material comprises post-consumer recyclate, including repurposed fishing nets and discarded energy chains, processed as part of igus’s internal “Chainge” recycling program. The new e-chains maintain mechanical properties comparable to the previous version, with no compromise in performance, durability, or flexibility. Additionally, they continue to offer advantages such as a long service life, quiet operation, and ease of installation.
“With this recycled e-chain series, customers can actively participate with us in promoting a circular plastics economy,” said Jörg Ottersbach, Head of Business Unit e-chains at igus. “Switching to igumid CG LW clearly demonstrates that economic feasibility and sustainability are fully compatible objectives.”
Significant Reduction in Environmental Impact
Choosing the E2.1 series significantly reduces environmental impact, lowering the CO2 footprint by approximately 80% compared to traditional materials. igus is committed to expanding its sustainability measures throughout its operations, encompassing direct and indirect emissions (Scopes 1-3). Initiatives include using process heat, adopting green electricity, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and modernizing facilities.
Robust Recycling Program with “Chainge” Initiative
igus has actively promoted sustainability since 2019 through its “Chainge” recycling program, accepting energy chains from all manufacturers for recycling. The initiative expanded in 2022 with the introduction of an online platform, allowing customers to recycle additional technical plastic components and purchase reprocessed materials in regrind or regranulate form.
The “Chainge” program has successfully recycled approximately 170 tons of plastic to date. In recognition of these efforts, igus received the Rhineland Business Prize for sustainability in 2022 and secured first place in the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s “Going Circular” competition in 2023.
