Bicycle Lock Analysis: Sustainability and Material Analysis

Xute Liu

Simen Owen Academic Proceedings Series, 2026, vol. 7, 30-37

Abstract: This paper comprehensively analyzes the structural components and material compositions of bicycle locks to compare conventional models with those manufactured from sustainable and biodegradable materials. As the global demand for eco-friendly transportation accessories increases, understanding the chemical safety and environmental footprint of these products becomes critical. Focusing specifically on the ZOLi 87610 bicycle lock, this study systematically contrasts a standard commercial version with a recycled counterpart produced by the same manufacturing company. A rigorous quantitative experiment was conducted to measure the presence of toxic phthalates within the lock components. This procedure strictly adhered to the established GB/T 29786-2013 testing standard, utilizing advanced Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for precise chemical detection. The analytical results reveal a highly significant disparity between the two models: the ordinary lock contained 2,554 mg/kg of diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), a concentration that significantly exceeds international safety limits, whereas the sustainable lock demonstrated no detectable traces of any toxic substances. Beyond the primary chemical analysis, this paper extensively discusses the broader economic and environmental impacts associated with utilizing recycled plastics in industrial production. The findings note substantial reductions in overall energy consumption, greenhouse gas carbon emissions, and direct manufacturing costs when compared to the processing of virgin materials. Ultimately, the research suggests that sustainable materials can successfully achieve the necessary mechanical durability while simultaneously offering end-of-life biodegradability. The conclusion firmly asserts that adopting recycled materials in the bicycle lock industry effectively mitigates environmental pollution and actively protects human health from harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Keywords: bicycle lock; phthalates; sustainable materials; recycled plastic; biodegradability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:axf:soapsa:v:7:y:2026:i::p:30-37

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