Aluminium Trade Fair | Net-zero Emissions with World's First Hydro CIRCAL 100R Bicycle Rims

In 2024, Brompton is using Hydro's CIRCAL 100R in one of its bicycle rims, an innovative development that will bring to market a bicycle rim made entirely from 100% post-consumer aluminium scrap. The CIRCAL 100R is renowned for its weight-saving benefits, ease of batching, and near-zero CO2 footprint.

"We are delighted to collaborate with innovative sustainability leaders like Brompton to develop new low-carbon products that meet our consumers' expectations. By providing a complete cross-section of carbon emissions in our value chain, we enable our customers to take action and achieve their climate goals," said Hanne Karine Simensen, Executive Vice President of Hydro Aluminium Metal.

Today, the origins and production methods of products are crucial. Bicycles are inherently more sustainable than many other products, but the environmental impact of the materials used to make them varies greatly. According to a study by the European Cycling Federation, the materials used to make an average 15kg bike are estimated to generate around 75kg of emissions.

The aluminium supplied to Brompton is sourced entirely from old window frames, car wheels, or scrap from other consumer products. While a bicycle may not appear as complex as a car or train, every bicycle component must undergo rigorous testing for safety, strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Brompton's factory in London conducts these tests to ensure that Hydro CIRCAL rims adhere to the same stringent quality standards as the improved components in Brompton bikes.

"We understand the importance of sustainability to our customers, and they expect us to lead the way in change by controlling the entire value chain of bike manufacturing. This begins with the choice of materials and ensuring that the products we incorporate into our bikes are reusable at the end of their use," said Will Carleysmith, Brompton's Chief Design and Engineering Officer.

Hydro Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or even earlier and is at the forefront of the green aluminium transition. Through its zero-emissions aluminium production roadmap, the company is pioneering sustainable practices and leading the way to a greener future.