In the midst of the current difficult economic environment, igus is setting a positive example for innovation and sustainability. At HANNOVER MESSE 2025, the Cologne-based motion plastics specialist will be presenting its latest product developments, which are intended to demonstrate the innovative strength of “made in Germany” – from PTFE-free materials and a complete energy chain series made from recycled material to the new dry cleanroom certificate for igus e-chains®, which was developed together with the Fraunhofer IPA.

Seeing changing conditions as opportunities

In a time when global markets are characterized by uncertainty and political tensions are increasing, companies are facing various challenges. More and more customers are having to save money. But companies are also increasingly under pressure to act in terms of sustainability. “The way we live and work is constantly changing. That's why we always see changing conditions as opportunities,” emphasizes Tobias Vogel, CEO of Bearings and Linear Technology at igus. “They are an incentive for us to break new ground and develop innovative solutions for our customers.” Michael Blass, CEO e-chainsystems at igus, adds, addressing the users: “We want to offer you innovations ‘made in Germany’ that strengthen your competitiveness and at the same time demonstrate sustainable solutions that offer real benefits – without sacrificing quality or incurring high costs.” Both machine manufacturers and operators therefore benefit twice over from the advantages of the solutions made of high-performance plastic. At the same time, they do not require any lubricating oil or grease, which also protects the environment and saves costs and maintenance.

Farewell PTFE: igus is converting all standard bearing materials

One sustainability challenge that will affect many companies is the upcoming decisions regarding the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Regardless of whether or not a ban is imposed, igus has been researching alternatives to PTFE for several years. “We are developing new formulations, conducting extensive tests, checking our materials for PFAS compounds and adapting our production processes so that we can continue to offer our customers a suitable solution in the future,” says Tobias Vogel. Now igus is expanding its product range and offering all iglidur standard materials as PTFE-free variants. These include the materials iglidur J, W300, M250, G, X and H. igus also already has PTFE-free and PFAS-tested alternatives in other product areas, such as linear guides, slewing ring bearings and liners. In addition, tests in the in-house test laboratory on friction and wear behavior show significantly better performance of the materials with substituted PTFE compared to the reference containing PTFE. The research into alternatives has thus provided significant added value.

80 percent CO2 saved: From old energy chains and fishing nets to the recycled e-chain series

After the successful development of the first energy chain made from recycled material in 2022, igus is now converting the complete catalog program of the standard E2.1 energy chain series to the new recycled material igumid CG LW. This is made from old energy chains that are recycled through the company's own “chainge” program, as well as old fishing nets. “With this recycled chain series, we are enabling customers to work with us in contributing to the circular economy for plastics,” says Michael Blass. ”Furthermore, it is our proof that sustainable does not mean expensive. The recycled E2.1 series will be available at the same price as the e-chains made of standard material.” But that's not all: it also has identical mechanical properties and an 80 percent smaller carbon footprint compared to the energy chain series made of standard material.

From dry cleanroom to shore power: new technologies for the industry of tomorrow

In addition to a sustainable future for technical plastics, igus is also driving the development of innovative solutions and certifications for special application areas – for example, the dry cleanroom for battery production. This is becoming more and more important in view of the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries for the growing electric car market – but it also entails challenging production environments. “In the dry cleanroom for battery production, many systems quickly break down and have to be replaced after two to three months,” explains Michael Blass. Two years ago, igus presented the E6.29, the first certified energy chain for dry cleanrooms. Now, the company has worked with the Fraunhofer IPA to develop a new type of certificate that confirms the cleanroom suitability of igus e-chains® in a long-term test. The e-skin soft SKS28 still achieved ISO Class 4 even after 15 million double strokes or ten months – and thus the best possible result. The E6 has also proven itself in the long-term test and was only upgraded from ISO Class 4 to 5. This makes igus one of the pioneers in this field. At the same time, the company is conducting research and development in many other future-oriented areas, showing that there is still a great deal of innovation potential in German industry – from low-cost automation solutions such as FTS for intralogistics to the world's first mobile shore power connection system for container ships.

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