2026 winter olympics torches by carlo ratti
Studio Carlo Ratti Associati reveals the official design of the torches for the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milan. Unveiled simultaneously at the Triennale di Milano and at the Italian Pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka, Carlo Ratti’s ‘Essential’ torches for the Olympics are built mainly from recycled materials, including an aluminum and brass alloy. Each weighs around 1,060 grams, excluding the fuel canister. It is also reusable up to ten times, an intentional design to reduce the number of torches required for relay events and minimize material waste throughout.
Carlo Ratti’s torches for the 2026 Winter Olympics have an exterior finish using the technique called physical vapor deposition. It creates a reflective and iridescent surface that changes appearance based on surrounding light conditions. When the object moves then, its color and reflectivity shift, depending on the setting. The torch also features an open-frame structure that exposes its inner mechanical components. This marks a change of design compared to previous torches, which typically burrow the flame mechanism.
all images courtesy of Milano Cortina 2026
Fuel derived from waste products such as used cooking oil
There are two torch designs that have been created for the event: one for the Olympic Games and one for the Paralympic Games. The Studio Carlo Ratti Associati team uses a distinctive color for each torch design. The Olympic one shines in a tone called Shades of Sky, inspired by Italy’s natural landscapes and reflecting ideas of movement and transformation. On the other hand, the Paralympic torch uses a color called Mountains of Light, a reference to the resilience and strength of Paralympic athletes. The grip of Carlo Ratti’s torches for the Olympics includes an insert made from XL EXTRALIGHT, which is a polymeric material developed by Finproject.
The material contains 60 percent bio-naphtha, which is sourced from renewable raw materials. The grip design then is lightweight to help reduce the bearer’s fatigue during the relay. The fuel system centers on bio-LPG using renewable raw materials. The fuel is derived from waste products, including used cooking oils, animal fats, and agricultural industry byproducts. The Essential torch project then links the use of recycled metals, bio-derived polymers, waste-sourced fuels, and reusability in a single design. After the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the Essential by Carlo Ratti join the collection of torches at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Studio Carlo Ratti Associati reveals the official design of the torches for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan
the team forges the body from recycled materials, including an aluminum and brass alloy
Olympic torch design, finished in a tone called Shades of Sky
Paralympic torch design, finished in a color called Mountains of Light
