Recycled materials for bicycle frames

Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu) and Teijin Limited (Teijin) announced the launch of a joint project running from January to March 2023 to enhance the environmental value of recycled resources in the production of bicycle frames together with V Frames GmbH (V Frames), a German manufacturer and distributor of carbon fibre reinforced plastic bicycle frames, and E Bike Advanced Technologies GmbH (Advanced Bikes), a German manufacturer of bicycles.

As part the trials, Teijin and Fujitsu will leverage a blockchain-based commercial platform launched in July 2022 to promote the sustainable use of recycled materials, tracing and management of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the environmentally-conscious bicycle industry.

By implementing a business model that maximises the environmental value from recycled materials, Teijin and Fujitsu aim to contribute to the further development of the carbon fibre recycling market and the realization of a circular economy. Following the successful conclusion of the joint trials, Teijin and Fujitsu will promote the implementation of the new platform, with the aim of commercialisation in fiscal 2023.

In Europe, many bicycle manufacturers use frames manufactured in Asia, and many of these frames are also ultimately disposed of in landfills in Asia. Energy consumption during long-distance transportation of resources including materials and used frames across the supply chain represents one major reason why resources are often not recycled and disposed of in a sustainable manner. In order to contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions from its business operations, V Frames utilises local resources in Germany and recycles used frames in its bicycle production.

Within this joint project, Teijin and Fujitsu will conduct trials together with V Frames and Advanced Bikes to visualise the results of V Frames’ efforts to reduce GHG emissions in its production process, with the aim to foster a shared awareness towards the environmental value of recycled materials within the environmentally-conscious bicycle industry and industries handling carbon fibres.

Following the joint trials, Teijin and Fujitsu will promote the implementation of the new platform, with the aim of commercialisation in fiscal 2023. Moving forward, the two parties will further promote discussions and field trials with partner companies and organisations that support this initiative and will work to contribute to the realization of a circular economy by supporting the growth of the recycling market in various industries.

In order to realize a sustainable society, Teijin will provide innovative, people-centred solutions that improve peoples’ quality of life. Teijin will further strive to mitigate the impact of its business activities on the environment and society to realise its long-term vision “to be a company that supports the society of the future.”

Fujitsu is promoting "Sustainable Manufacturing" to achieve growth through the coexistence of people and the earth as one of its key focus areas under its global business brand, Fujitsu Uvance.