At HKT, we’ve always believed that how a product is made matters just as much as how it performs on the bike. That belief has guided every decision we’ve made as a UK manufacturer, from producing locally to refining our materials and processes over time.

That’s why we’re proud to share an important update to our mudguard range today.

From now on, all HKT custom mudguards are made using 100% post-industrial recycled polypropylene (PP). Our stock mudguard range will follow as existing inventory sells through and new production runs begin.

This change is part of a wider initiative we’re calling More Than Material a commitment to being more responsible with the materials we use without compromising performance, durability, or value. 

What Is Post-Industrial Recycled Polypropylene?

Post-industrial recycled polypropylene is plastic recovered from manufacturing off-cuts and trimmings created during normal industrial production.

This material:

• Has never been used by consumers

• Is clean and uncontaminated

• Offers consistent, high-quality performance

• Can be recycled again at end of life

It’s different from post-consumer recycled plastics, which come from household or commercial waste streams and often require extensive sorting and cleaning before reuse.

For performance focused products like mountain bike mudguards, post-industrial recycled PP offers the best balance of reliability, consistency, and reduced environmental impact.

Why HKT Chose This Material

We explored a range of options before making this change. Our priority was clear: reduce waste and reliance on virgin plastic without affecting how our products perform.

After extensive testing with our supplier, post-industrial recycled PP proved to be the right solution.

Key benefits:

• Same strength and flexibility as virgin polypropylene

• No change to fit, durability, or ride performance

• Halogen-free and non-toxic

• 100% recyclable

In short, our customers get the same product they trust, made with a more responsible material choice.

What Has Changed and What Hasn’t

What’s changed

• Custom HKT mudguards are now made from 100% post-industrial recycled PP

• Stock mudguards will transition gradually as inventory cycles through

• Some batches may show minor shade variation or small surface inclusions

These visual differences are a natural characteristic of recycled material and do not affect performance or longevity.

What hasn’t changed

• Performance and durability

• Fit and function

• UK manufacturing

• Pricing

Why This Matters

We’re not claiming this change solves sustainability in mountain biking,  it doesn’t. But it is a practical, measurable improvement we can stand behind confidently. 

Using post-industrial recycled polypropylene:

• Keeps manufacturing waste in circulation

• Reduces reliance on virgin plastic

• Lowers the environmental footprint of production

• Maintains the performance riders expect

That’s what More Than Material means to us: real decisions, real impact, no shortcuts.

Custom Mudguards: Now Made with Recycled PP

If you’ve ordered a custom mudguard from us before, nothing about the process has changed — except the material.

You’ll still get:

• A custom design

• UK-made quality

• The same fit, performance and print quality.

Just made using recycled material instead of virgin plastic.

You can design your own custom mudguard here.

A Phased Transition for Our Stock Range

To avoid unnecessary waste, our stock mudguard range will move to recycled PP as existing stock sells through. This ensures:

• No disruption to supply

• No scrapping of usable products

• A smooth transition across the range

More Than Material

This update is just one step in a broader journey. More Than Material is about looking beyond the finished product and thinking more carefully about where materials come from, how they’re used, and what happens to them next.

Thanks for supporting HKT and choosing UK manufactured products.