The cycling industry evolution: Materials, design, manufacturing, environmental impact

In this guest feature we hear from Josh Charteris, who, with a background in Industrial and Product design, along with Product and Brand development, explores recent internal and external forces driving the cycling industry evolution.

From material choices, to the recent evolution of the design process, with manufacturers engineering in sustainability as an integral element, here Josh also explores drivers for where the industry chooses to carry out its manufacturing, and how market forces are challenging the status quo.

Over to you Josh….

I’ll start by saying that the cycling industry has experienced a surge in demand over recent years as consumers look for more sustainable and healthy forms of transportation. Cycling is not only a great way to get around, but it also presents an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions.

The concept of a circular economy is to design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. Our industry has a vital role to play in achieving this vision, as it is a sector with high environmental impact. However, one of the challenges the industry faces is the production of frames. Frames are typically made from materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium, and steel, which are not biodegradable and cannot be easily recycled.

Production relies heavily on the use of virgin materials. Carbon fibre, alloys and steel are all non-renewable resources, and their extraction and processing have significant environmental impacts. Moreover, the use of virgin materials results in a significant carbon footprint.

To address these challenges, our industry must develop the infrastructure required to maintain healthy production. One obvious solution is to promote the use of recycled materials in manufacturing. Recycled aluminium and steel can be sourced from existing products and materials, reducing the need for virgin materials. Additionally, the use of recycled materials can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of frame production, as the energy required to process recycled materials is lower than that required to process virgin materials.

Alternatively we can develop new approaches to manufacturing that minimize waste. For example, companies can explore the use of 3D printing technology to create frames, which reduces waste by producing only the required amount of material. Similarly, companies can explore the use of biodegradable materials in frame production, which can be easily recycled or disposed of without harming the environment.

One of the challenges in developing the infrastructure required to maintain a circular economy is the availability of recycled materials. The cycling industry must work with governments, recyclers, and other stakeholders to establish a reliable supply chain for recycled materials. This can involve creating regulatory frameworks that promote the use of recycled materials, providing incentives for recyclers to collect and process materials, and developing new technologies that make recycling more efficient and cost-effective.

Another solution is to promote onshoring of frame production in the UK. Onshoring refers to the practice of bringing manufacturing back to the UK, rather than outsourcing it to other countries. Onshoring has several benefits, including reducing transportation emissions and promoting local economic development. Additionally, onshoring can help to establish a more reliable supply chain for recycled materials, as companies can work more closely with recyclers and other stakeholders.

For readers keen to discuss how these elements can positively impact their business, Josh can be contacted via LinkedIn.

To read more about sustainability and the cycling industry, click here.