Repurposing Climbing Rope
Thousands of climbing ropes are discarded every year to ensure climber safety worldwide. While essential from a safety perspective, this practice leaves behind a significant environmental burden, as there is currently no standard method of repurposing the material.
The methods shown below and at New Designers 2025 demonstrate the initial proof-of-concept process for transforming retired climbing rope into a usable material. Since these early trials, the process has undergone substantial optimisation in both technique and results.
Due to the current stage of development and ongoing discussions with potential partners and stakeholders, some aspects of the refined process and test outcomes are being held back from public release at this time.
However, the progress so far has proven the concept’s viability and sustainability potential, and I’m actively exploring ways to take the idea forward through collaboration or further investment.
The Process outlines the necessity for splitting the sheath (black fibres) and core (white cords) before initial drying stages. With methods of compression heating needed after that. With the block formed being machined into a component used another product, IBEX.
Using 10mm Mild Steel with a three part construction which allows for removable base and a top designed for a hydraulic press using bent over sides to reduces splatter on the inside.
Experimenting using both sheath and the core of the rope testing the ability for the new materials to be used without any additives. Despite the core making up 70% of the mass of the rope it was found to be non-viable as a pure material.
While the processes and outcomes shown here reflect the early proof-of-concept phase, further developments have been made since. Due to ongoing refinement, intellectual property considerations, and conversations with prospective partners, not all information or test data is being disclosed at this stage. For further information or collaboration enquiries, please feel free to get in touch.