Sirmax Group develops materials for fitness equipment made with recycled plastic

Sirmax Group, an Italy-based manufacturer of thermoplastic granules, has developed materials for Italian fitness, wellness and sports equipment distributor Technogym. The materials will be used in the recycled plastic components of Technogym’s new generation of Excite fitness equipment.

The Excite line features seven products including Excite Run, Excite Synchro, Excite Bike, Excite Vario, Excite Recline, Excite Climb and Excite Top. Technogym has replaced virgin materials in certain components of these products, such as casings, with Sirmax’ Green Isoter, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene- (ABS-) based thermoplastic resin. Green Isoter contains 60 percent raw materials from the mechanical recycling of household materials and waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and holds the Second Life Plastic from Separate Waste Collection certification from the Italian Institute of Plastics.   

Sirmax says using this raw material allows for the recovery of an average of 7 kilograms of plastic per item produced. According to internal studies conducted by Sirmax, this alternative results in an average CO₂ emissions reduction of 50 percent.

“The supply of these innovative components to Technogym adds new dimensions to the research and use of high-performing, recycled materials,” says Leonardo Forner, Sirmax Group sustainability manager. “At Sirmax, the real technological challenge is not just material creation and formulation, we also have to make sure its aesthetic performance during molding meets the high standards required by the different machines. Through this collaboration, we can effectively show the market our group's commitment and investments in the customized design of innovative and sustainable materials, following the principles of the circular economy.”

The updated version of the Excite line will be presented at this year's Plastics Recycling Show Europe (PRSE) 2024, June 19-20 in Amsterdam. The Excite line is also among five finalists for the PRSE Award, which recognizes achievements in the use of recycled materials, product design and manufacturing.