Swancor, Massload jointly develop 100% recycled bicycle bottle cage

Swancor (Nantou, Taiwan) and the Taiwanese brand Massload (Taichung City) have jointly developed bicycle parts — a bicycle bottle cage highlighted in particular — crafted entirely from recycled composite materials.

The low-carbon bottle cage, which weighs only 17 grams, has undergone a year of rigorous testing and validation. It blends 50% of Swancor’s recycled carbon fiber with 50% recycled polyamide 6 (PA6) pellets, manufactured through an injection process. The companies anticipate commencing mass production of this environmentally friendly solution in the first quarter of 2024, with help from Massload, which has extensive know-how in supplying components to global bicycle brands.

Swancor’s own expertise has contributed to the bicycle bottle cage’s development. The company has been actively promoting the use of recycled materials, alongside the development of its recyclable thermosetting resin EzCiclo and CleaVER degradation liquid, which has enabled Swancor to repurpose carbon fiber plates from the wind industry and factory scraps.

Using CleaVER, Swancor is able to separate and processes recycled carbon fiber for reuse. Notably, Swancor’s materials achieved GRS certification for 100% recycled carbon fiber in 2023. Moreover, in February 2024, it obtained ISO 14067 certification, showcasing low carbon emission of only 1.689kgCO₂e/KG, a 97% emissions reduction compared to virgin carbon fiber, (55.181.689kgCO₂e/KG).

Looking ahead, Swancor and Massload are dedicated to ongoing collaboration in the development and production of innovative materials.