At Envision Racing, we see motorsport as a platform for sustainable innovation. In partnership with our partner, Teijin, we hosted a Race Against Climate Change® event at Brightlands Chemelot Campus, focusing on circularity, material traceability, and sustainability.
Rethinking circularity in materials and manufacturing
The event brought together industry leaders to discuss transitioning from a linear to a circular economy. Ton de Weijer, General Manager of Environmental Solutions at Teijin, emphasised the need to rethink material lifecycles.
De Weijer outlined three key steps:
- Traceability – Understanding materials through transparent supply chains
- Smart design – Creating materials with reusability in mind
- Recycling innovation – Restoring materials to their original properties
Formula E: Using sustainable motorsport as a testbed for circularity principles
Motorsport has traditionally been wasteful, but Formula E is proving otherwise. As Sylvain Filippi, Envision Racing’s Managing Director and CTO, explained, sustainability is now a priority.
Compared to F1’s 20 tyre sets per car per race and large teams, Formula E operates with just two sets per car per weekend and a significantly smaller crew. The impact is clear: more efficiency, less waste.
In just over a decade, Formula E has evolved from needing two cars per driver to single-car efficiency, 350kW power output, and 0-60 mph acceleration in 1.8 seconds—30% faster than F1. Looking ahead, Gen 4 cars in 2026 will push boundaries with 600kW power and advanced energy regeneration.
This is having a direct impact on the EV market, showcasing how the sport can be used to drive real innovation.
Traceability: unlocking circularity in supply chains
Circularity isn’t just about recycling—it’s about maximising material value. Mesbah Sabur, Founder of Circularise, and Smitha Sundaram, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Teijin, discussed how traceability enhances circular economies.
Many manufacturers lack transparency in their materials, making recycling a challenge. By improving traceability, businesses can reduce waste and reuse valuable materials efficiently.
Also, through legislative practices, circularity principles can be standardised and market leaders can be rewarded for innovative sustainable practices.
A future built on collaboration
The shift to circularity requires innovation and collaboration. Whether through advanced materials, sustainable motorsport, or improved traceability, industries must work together.
We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable motorsport. With partners like Teijin leading material innovation, the road ahead is promising. Starting 1st April, Teijin’s team will begin work at the Brightlands Innovation Centre, focusing on renewable energy and recycling advancements.
The message is clear: sustainability is achievable through determination, technology and partnerships.
At Envision Racing, we’re ready to accelerate that future – one race at a time.
If you would like to learn more about our Race Against Climate Change® events, or any of our partners, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at media@envision-racing.co.uk.
Before you go, why not join our efforts by making a climate pledge?
