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MILAN, 2026-02-05 08:58:00
Olympic Torches Prioritize Sustainability with Recycled Materials
The torches for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, dubbed “Essential,” are designed with a focus on environmental responsibility and practical use.
- The “Essential” torches are constructed largely from recycled aluminum and brass alloys.
- Each torch weighs approximately 1,060 grams and is designed for reuse, with the ability to be recharged up to 10 times.
- The torch handle incorporates an ultra-light polymeric material containing 60% bionaphtha from renewable sources.
- A specialized surface treatment enhances durability and creates a visually dynamic effect.
The torches for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are making a statement before the flame is even lit-a statement about sustainability.These torches, called “Essential,” are primarily built with recycled materials, specifically an alloy of aluminum and brass, signaling a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the games.
What makes these torches different? They’re not just eco-amiable; they’re designed for longevity.Each torch weighs approximately 1,060 grams without the cylinder and is engineered to be reused and recharged up to 10 times, substantially minimizing the total number of torches needed for the Olympic and Paralympic relays.
The commitment to sustainable materials extends to the torch’s handle. It features an insert made of XL EXTRALIGHT®, an ultra-light polymeric material developed by Finproject, a company under Versalis. This material is created using a polymer that incorporates 60% bionaphtha derived from renewable sources.
Beyond their eco-conscious construction, the torches boast an aesthetically pleasing and functional design. The external surface is treated with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) technology, an advanced process that not only provides high resistance to the heat of the flame but also enhances the reflective and iridescent effect. This allows the torch to visually interact with its surroundings, changing its appearance based on the light-a captivating effect for both the carrier and onlookers.
Why are these torches being created with sustainability in mind? The Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games organizing committee has prioritized environmental responsibility as a core principle of the event. This commitment is reflected in numerous aspects of the games’ planning, from venue construction to waste management. the “Essential” torch embodies this ethos, aiming to minimize the environmental impact of a customary Olympic symbol.
who is responsible for the torch’s design and production? the torches were developed in collaboration with multiple Italian companies, including Finproject (Versalis) for the handle material and specialized firms for the aluminum and brass alloy construction and PVD coating. The organizing committee oversaw the project to ensure alignment with sustainability goals.
What is the ultimate goal of this sustainable torch design? The primary objective is to reduce the overall number of torches required for the olympic and Paralympic relays. By designing a torch that can be reused and recharged up to ten times, organizers aim to significantly decrease resource consumption and waste generation. The use of recycled materials further contributes to this goal.
How will the torch relays be conducted? The Olympic and Paralympic torch relays will follow traditional routes, passing through numerous cities and towns in Italy. The reusable nature
