Bicycle company Brompton has launched a new bike with the world’s first 100 per cent fully recycled aluminium rims, made from post-consumer scrap. The launch is the first result of a partnership with aluminium and renewable energy company Hydro that aims to increase the use of near-zero carbon aluminium in Brompton’s iconic folding bikes.
The rims are made from Hydro CIRCAL 100R, a product that not only reduces weight, but also guarantees batch-by-batch transparency and a near-zero carbon footprint.
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‘We are excited to collaborate with innovative sustainability leaders such as Brompton to develop new low-carbon products that meet consumer expectations. By providing full transparency of the carbon emissions in our value chain, we enable our customers to get in gear and reach their climate ambitions,’ said Hanne Karine Simensen, executive vice president of Hydro Aluminium Metal.
While a bicycle is a far more sustainable transport option than most other vehicles, the environmental footprint of the materials used in manufacturing can vary widely. A study by the European Cyclists’ Federation estimates the materials used to make a typical 15-kilogram bicycle has an average carbon footprint equalling 75 kilograms of CO2.
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‘We know how important sustainability is for our customers and their expectation is that we must lead the change by looking at the entire value chain for how our bikes are manufactured. It starts with the material choice and ensuring the products we put into our bicycle can be recycled after end-of-life,’ said Will Carleysmith, chief design and engineering officer at Brompton.
The aluminium supplied to Brompton is based on 100 per cent post-consumer scrap from old window frames, car wheels or other consumer products. Despite being simpler than cars or trains, each bicycle part must withstand rigorous product testing for safety, strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Brompton has undertaken such tests at its London facility to ensure the Hydro CIRCAL rims meet the same high quality standards as all the other parts on a Brompton bike.
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‘As the world’s first safety compliant component manufactured from 100 per cent post-consumer recycled aluminium, the rims provide a real-world example of a truly circular economy in the industry. Brompton wants to continue to lead product innovation within the micro mobility industry and bringing new sustainability solutions to the market is a top priority,’ said Carleysmith.
‘To stop global warming we need to decarbonise manufacturing, produce for circularity and recycle resources already in use. By choosing Hydro’s low-carbon, recycled aluminium in their bikes, Brompton is leading the way in its industry to get the circular economy rolling. We are thrilled to be along for the ride,’ said Simensen.