UK based bicycle company, Brompton, has produced the world’s first 100% recycled aluminium wheel-rim thanks to its strategic partnership with Hydro.
Leveraging Hydro’s supply of 100% recycled 6063 aluminium, Brompton has created wheel rims compatible with its entire range of iconic folding bikes. The production process begins in Dormagen, Germany, where advanced laser technology sorts the aluminium, selecting only 6063 grade aluminium. This sorted scrap is cast into extrusion billets, before being extruded into rim profiles, which are then converted into rims. The low-carbon, European supply chain for the rims is completed when the wheels are assembled at Brompton’s factory in Greenford, London.
Brompton has set a goal of manufacturing a net-zero bike by 2050, and this new component made with 100% recycled, post-consumer aluminium scrap, is both an industry first and a key step towards this aim. As the world’s first, safety compliant component manufactured from 100% post-consumer recycled aluminium, the rims provide a real-world example of a truly circular economy in the industry.
Post consumer aluminium scrap means it has already been used by end consumers. This waste is harder to obtain, as it comes from multiple sources such as architectural cladding, window frames, aluminium building systems and automotive parts.
It needs to be collected through recycling: the recovery, sorting and reuse of end-of-life products. It often contains impurities or different alloys, which require meticulous sorting and processing by recyclers.
The first Brompton x Hydro Wheel Rims will be showcased at the Brompton World Championships in Coal Drops Yard, London from 21 – 23 June 2024. They will be the hero part of three specially designed BWC London bikes, that feature BWC logo touchpoints with a bright multi-colourway finish. Two of the bikes will be awarded to the winners of the men’s and women’s races, with the third, the grand prize in the BWC raffle, with tickets available to buy online here, or on-site at the event which is free for spectators.
“Brompton want to continue to lead product innovation within the micro mobility industry, and bringing new sustainability solutions to market is a top priority,” said Will Carleysmith, Chief Design & Engineering Officer at Brompton.
“We’re a proud B Corp business, and material innovation projects like this one with Hydro, can not only improve the footprint of our products and how we operate, but also show the wider industry that there is a better way.”
“We are excited to collaborate with innovative sustainability leaders in every market 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 reach their climate ambitions. By choosing Hydro’s low carbon recycled aluminium in their bikes, Bromton is showing the way in their industry and contributing to the circular economy,” says Hanne Simensen
The Brompton x Hydro Wheel Rims will be available in larger volumes in late 2024. To have a chance to get the first set, enter the raffle on the link here, or grab a ticket at the Brompton World Championship London from 21 – 23 June 2024; the event is free for spectators. Further information on the event can be found on the following link: www.brompton.com/stories/events/brompton-world-championship
