Trek and its partner Materials Innovation Technologies have recycled 32 tons of carbon material from the main plant in Waterloo (Wisconsin) over the past twelve months, the bike manufacturer announced in a press release. Since April 2011, all production waste, frame components that failed the quality inspection and selected warranty returns have been sent to Material Innovations Technologies in the US state of South Carolina to be used in products made of carbon-reinforced thermoplastic materials. The recycled carbon fiber material is used for space, automotive, medical and leisure applications, among others.

Focus on the entire product life cycle
"We are very proud of what we have already achieved in just one year," explains Jim Colegrove, Senior Composites Manufacturing Engineer at Trek. "Now that carbon has become so widely used in bicycles, it's especially important for manufacturers to look at the entire life cycle of products and materials," Colegrove continues.

However, in addition to the reuse of materials, Trek is also setting the course for sustainability: Bontrager accessories use packaging made from recycled materials and the factory in Waterloo is powered by wind energy.

www.trekbikes.com