the eco guide of mountain gear by Mountain Riders

2010 - 2011 The

eco to

3 rd

itio

Guide

mountain

gear

choose your gear responsibly !

www.mountain-riders.org

Edito E

. Brands and sustainability benchmark

. What about my impact?

P 14

. How can I take action?

P 16

. The ecoguide, how does is work?

P 20

. The expert’s point of view

P 22

ach new season provides us with it’s own lot of innovations. New gear that has ‘more flex’, new jackets that ‘really cool’ to move your body in and new accessories that are more ‘eco’, all this to go out and explore our favourite playground: the mountains.

Companies and individuals: everybody can do something at their own level.

However, when faced with this profusion of innovations, each one more alluring than the other, the first question we should be asking ourselves is :

Production: concrete solutions to produce eco-friendly, recyclable and affordable consumer goods and sports gear are readily available.

Do I really need this? Once you have decided that you really do need this, you should be aware of what makes up our global footprint ( ). It is linked to population ( ) our consumption ( ) and the way these products ( ) and services are produced. All this can be summed up in the following formula:

Consequently, if one of those factors is reduced, our global footprint will be reduced. World population is projected to peak at 9 Billion human in 2050. So it’s definitely not this factor that we can influence.

Consumption: If we cannot manage to reduce our consumption, then we should shop responsibly and choose products that will last long so we can take them with us every time we go out to play. It is up to us, consumers, to send a strong message to the market, by asking questions at our local sports shop on where our gear was made, how it was produced and what social & environmental standards were respected.

It’s time to walk the walk and take action. At brand level, a number of actors on the market have realised the importance of these issues and set up, local, concrete and innovative responses to theses issues. If we all take action, together, we can make this change happen. Pro riders, Sunday skiers, holidaymakers and professionals: everyone of us is concerned. Want to know more? Then just look into the eco guide!

En savoir plus : www.mountain-riders.org

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Summary

Quote ‘When talking about climate change, the advantages of taking firm and early action, outweighs by far the economic cost of inaction’. Stern review report on climate change

Messages from our partners Région PACA

ADEME

The aim of this eco guide is to bring together outdoor & mountain gear manufacturers on the subject of sustainability. The first two editions helped to inform the general public about brands’ environmental processes, and to show that a company can remain profitable, whilst taking environmental issues into account. This third edition looks at promoting/presenting sound environmental initiatives through the elaboration of a reference framework that has been reviewed by industry peers and researchers. The ongoing development of a network of sustainability professionals in the field of boardsports and in the mountain economy is also one of the guide’s aims. And, all of this finds its place in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur regions’ strategy for mountain areas, and the regions’ sustainable development programmes.

We all use gear to take a walk in the snow, to ski down a mountain: snowshoes, skis, snowboards, poles, clothing, and shoes, etc. Making this gear can be a very pollution-intensive process, so any initiative to reduce this pollution is precious. Taking time during the design stage to think about the choice of raw materials, the management of production processes, and these products’ uses, as well as their end of life, is the first step towards protecting our mountains. Every entrepreneur who looks at eco design, who chooses to include environmental and sustainability criteria in his production and management processes, is helping our society move towards the goals that emerged from the Grenelle discussions. This is why the ADEME has supported Mountain Riders over the past few years. The association initiating awareness-raising with ski resort professionals. Today, with the eco guide to mountain gear, professionals in the sporting goods industry and individual consumers also know what they can do to help.

Joël GIRAUD Vice- Président délégué à l’action régionale pour le massif alpin.

FNH

Nordine Boudjelida Regional director of the ADEME en Rhône-Alpes

Each year, a large human migration takes place towards the snow-capped mountains, so we can all enjoy the pleasure of winter sports. Just to go skiing and snowboarding, this dense flow of people travels to, eats and sleeps in urban islands, nestled in the heart of the mountains. For a long time we were obsessed with developing these winter towns so they could accommodate more and more people. We are only just now realising the environmental impact of these sports and activities. Today certain brands have taken this into account and setup positive initiatives to respect nature. Tomorrow, others will have no choice but to participate in these initiatives, for a fair and sustainable development of our activities in mountain regions. Mountain Riders promotes these positive initiatives in their eco guides, to encourage brands to go even further, because we have no more time to waste. The ecological emergency is felt even more on the mountaintops, which are home to a fragile nature. It’s now up to each and every one of us to make the right choices, so that our mountains stay alive.

La Fondation Nicolas Hulot pour la Nature et l’Homme

Région Rhône Alpes The Rhone-Alpes region has been reflecting on the issues of sustainability and the protection of the mountains several years ago. This was translated into the ‘regional strategy for mountains’ whose aim is to help local stakeholders and namely ski resorts situated at lower altitudes to set forth on the path towards sustainability. This is also the aim of Mountain Riders’ eco guide to mountain gear. The guide provides a list of simple, original and innovative answers for brands to move towards environmental responsibility and adaptation to climate change.

Jean-Jack QUEYRANNE Président de la Région Rhône-Alpes Député du Rhône - Ancien Ministre

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Man and the mountains

The impact of our sports This graphic presents the impacts of the sports we take part in. They have been summarised in three categories that are in line with the 3 main themes used to evaluate brands in this guide: Social, Environmental and Eco Design issues.

Design : A product’s impact is defined during the design phase, long before the actual extraction of raw materials. It is at this stage that designers decide which materials to use, how much is used as well as the product’s performance.

2 Raw materials & production

Social : The conditions in which our sports gear is produced is a bit like the dark side of the moon. This is why certifications, labels and the work of NGO’s collaborating with brands is essential to improve this

Eco Design

End of life

Sports gear

(Skis, Mountain Bikes, Snowboards, harnesses, Ice axes, ropes, Apparel)

Maintenance

Use

Environment : Contrary to popular belief, our gear’s environmental impact does not limit itself to the production process. For example, the impact of washing, drying and end of life for an item of clothing can represent up to 50% of the garment’s total impact.

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Work in progress

A benchmark for Brands and sustainability This chart is a summary of the data presented in the guide. It is based on a sample of the 39 brands that took part in the Mountain Riders survey.

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Social

Education & information

Environnement Eco Conception

En savoir plus : www.mountain-riders.org

66%

In both cases, the only information that is always available is the price. Unfortunatly this is not enough to make an informed choice. It’s up to us, consumers, to ask our retailers and favourite brands for this information.

45% 11%

Environnemental site management

87%

Education & information

55%

24% 39%

Environnemental commitments

53%

Durability

47%

Global eco design process

47%

Life cycle

39%

End of life & recycling

37%

Toxicity

42% 24%

Environment: The production process is the step where it is easiest for brands to reduce their environmental impact, because they own the production line or because they are the ordering party. However, only 26% of brands work with suppliers and/or subcontractors that have some kind of environmental certification. An even smaller 24% of them have set a certification process or an EMS with to reduce the environmental impact of the production processes.

26%

GES emissions

Packaging & logistics

Only 18% of brands provide theirs customers with information on the conditions in which their gear was produced, and only 11% provide information as to where the gear was produced.

63%

Eco Design: Most brands have products that incorporate environmentally friendly, renewable or recyclable fibres. However, it’s only one third of the time that this particular product range represents more than 25% of their production. Even though it’s a step forward, this is still too little. Transport represents one of the largest sources of GHG emissions in the UK. However, only 24% of brands have started working on their logistics chain and favouring ecological modes of transport rather than airfreight.

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Social:

CSR

Production line

90%

18%

Supply chain

Subcontractor & supplier certification

80%

61%

Workplace wellbeing

Investment in local communities Transparence & traceability

70%

Social

Social Workplace wellbeing The brand has established a CSR policy that applies to it’s own employees’ working conditions and work life balance. The company has set-up concrete actions for workplace wellbeing in at least 3 of the 5 following areas: Transport, Food at work, Health & safety, Social and Discrimination.

Information/ Education The brand has acknowledged the fact that ‘People just don’t know’. As such, communications relating to ethical trading, information on Fair trade standards, about the geographical origins of it’s products, as well as production processes and the working conditions of those manufacturing it’s products, etc. have been made available to customers.

The company is aware of its role and influence in society. It is involved over and above its legal obligations; where it’s competences have a real added value. It works with local stakeholders to identify the areas where local communities might be affected by its decisions and activities. It supports those in need or in difficult situations, through different mecanisms: grants, company philantropy, and company foundations.

Support for local communities. The company has chosen not to relocate it’s production to low cost countries, and whenever possible, favours local subcontractors and suppliers. At least 50% of the company’s production is done locally. i.e.: produced in Europe if the brand is European, in the USA if the brand is American.

Transparence & traceability The company communicates on the sourcing of its products; the list of the brands suppliers is published. Product traceability information is also available. It has developed tools for the public (web 2.0 Applications, blogs, etc.) to trace their products back to the actual production line and the whole logistic operations involved.

What we liked Blogs and web 2.0 applications that enable customers to trace clothing’s lifecycle from the prodcution plant to the point of sale. A small brand of surfwear based on the isle of wight has launched an interactive online tool that has made it possible for customers to trace the whole logistics chain associated to each product. From the growing of the cotton in India, to the printing in Nottingham and the finishing on the Isle of wight, each step is detailed with a Google Earth map. Another brand attaches a specific code to each one of it’s products. This code will take you right back to the farm where the sheep, whose wool your product is made of, was raised. A third brand chose to set up a separate web site where you can find detailed information about the production process and carbon footprint. Remarkably, the brand also points out steps where it needs to improve. These initiatives go from simple web 2.0 applications to compelte web sites that necessitate a dedicated content and large amounts of work, paving the way for other brands and suppliers whose supply chains are quite often very opaque. Brands involved : Rapa Nui, Patagonia, Icebreaker Companies that have chsoen NOT to go to low cost countries where working conditions are at the most uncertain and where environmental regulations and guidelines are qui oftern non-existant. Brands involved : Beal, Bumtribe, Faction, FST, Grown skis, Millet, Monnet, Nikwax, Petzl, Phenix snowboards, PYUA, Rossignol, Teko socks, Va2or, Vaude, Völkl

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Supply chain The brand works with suppliers and subcontractors that have been awarded social, ethical or fairtrade kitemarks (SA 8000, Fair wear foundation, Worker Rights Consortium), or factories where quality/ security management systems are applied. At least 80% of production (in terms of $ value) takes place in factories that hold one of the aforementioned certifications

CSR

Quote «IThere is enough on earth for everybody’s need, but not for everybody’s greed» Gandhi

Environment

Environment What we liked

Environmental site management The company has taken concrete steps to reduce its environmental impact in its day-today operations. This commitment translates into local and/or global actions: sorting of office waste, use renewable energy, videoconferencing, green procurement policy, regular environmental newsletter, training sessions. The company employs a full time environmental/sustainability manager.

Education & information

Subcontractor & supplier certifications The company has decided to work with suppliers and subcontractors that have met the requirements of independent environmental standards. If these suppliers and contractors are not certified they have set-up equivalent environmental management systems. Suppliers and subcontractors are regularly audited. At least 20% of production (in terms of volume) takes place in factories that hold one of the aforementioned certifications.

GHG emissions

There is no such thing as a jacket, or a product that has no environmental impact. Conversely, a product that lasts twice as long, in effect, has half the impact on the environment. A very clear message that invites us to ask ourselves questions before we buy that new jacket, which is all the more surprising since it’s put forward by a brand that makes outdoor products. Food for thought Brands involved : Klattermusen

A carbon footprint study has been carried out to identify and quantify the company’s main sources of GHG emissions. Using the results of this study, concrete steps have been taken to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Since the carbon actually emitted will stay in the atmosphere for another 100 years+, avoidance of emissions is rated higher than compensation.

Collaborative work. There is no brand today that can regularly provide a recycler with a volume of products that will be important enough to warrant the creation of a specific recycling channel. Under the EOG (European Outdoor Group), brands have chosen to work together to develop a global recycling solution. Brands involved : Klattermusen, Mammut, Patagonia, Salomon, The North Face, Vaude

The company has set up a global process to control and reduce its environmental impact. In certain cases this process is certified (Ecoride, ISO 14001, EMAS). These certifications must cover at least 50% of the company owned sites.

Environmental commitments The company is involved in civil society; over and above it’s legal obligations. It supports environmental organisations and/or concrete actions through different mechanisms: grants, corporate philanthropy and company foundations or organises concrete actions such as clean up of natural sites, planting local trees, etc.

Quote «What’s the use of recycling when we have modern art museums»

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Information on sustainability is provided for customers and staff members: product lifetime and product footprint information, tips on how to limit the impact of product use and information on the end of life of the product. Because more than 50% of the impact of an item of clothing si linked to washing, drying and ironing.

Supply chain

Don’t Buy a jacket unless you really need one!

Eco Design

Eco Design Durability The brands’ products have a long lifecycle, characterised by an extensive guarantee (more than 2 years which is a European legal standard). Or, the brand provides a repair service for it’s products outside of the standard after sales services or offers innovations allowing the equipment to last even longer.

Global eco design process Company staff has access to tools and methodologies to measure the environmental impact of their products and they integrate this data into the design phase. The company has carried out a LCA for at least one of its products and/or product lines. These represent more than 10% of production volumes.

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Using the results of a LCA (or AQLCA), the company has optimised its products lifecycle. It has incorporated eco-friendly raw materials into it’s products: recycled, renewable, hemp, linen, organic cotton, etc. The brand offers a range of products that contain eco/responsible raw materials (linen, hemp, organic cotton, Bamboo, certified wood, etc. This range represents at least 25% (in volume) of production and the eco/ responsible raw material content must reach at least 60% of the products components.

End of life & recycling The company is working on finding a concrete end of life solution for it’s products or, it has set up a product recovery/recycling programme. The company has set-up its own product recovery and recycling programme. Recyclable products are clearly identified as such for the end consumer.

Product toxicity The raw materials used by the brand meet or exceed third party certifications, products are tested for the presence of harmful substances.

Packaging et logistics The brands packaging has been optimised/ redesigned to reduce the impact of its packaging and logistics. The packaging is made of recycled or recyclable material form FSC certified sources and printed with water-based inks. It is also working the whole of its logistics chain to reduce its impact. A choice has been made to favour the more ecological modes of transport and reduce or stop using airfreight.

Eco design applied to skis. As we already explained: there is no such thing as a “green ski”, or at least not yet (see P 22). However, at Mountain Riders we particularly appreciate the efforts of ski & snowboard manufacturers that strive to reduce the toxicity of their products and/or increase their recyclability. You can now find skis that contain 10% linen, other manufacturers have replaced carbon fibre & glass fibre by Basalt fibre (a stone that is ground, melted and then woven into a fibre). Others have decided to eliminate the ABS topsheets and thus get rid of the varnishes that were emitting COV’s. It’s also great to see recycled ski bases included on more and more different models. Brands involved : Grown skis, Rossignol group, Salomon, Völkl, Zag skis Product recuperation and recycling programmes. Remember the time when bottles had a deposit? you would bring them back, get your deposit back and they would be recycled as such. An outdoor brand has applied the idea. All of its products from 2009 onwards have a deposit value. The value of the deposit is written on a specific label. These items will be recycled as new clothing, but also as backpacks, sleeping bags and accessories. Recycled materials include polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, cotton, duvet and metal. And to go further, if the products that have been returned are not completely useless, they will be repaired and given to charities rather than recycled. Brands involved : Klattermusen

Quote

«Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. It implies provocative ideas, exploration and risk taking»

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Product life cycle

What we liked

Quizz - Let’s see where I’m at

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

a) Production b) Transport between the production plant and the point of sale c) Washing, drying and ironing

between producers and consumers. This system guarantees a minimum price for the producer, which is often higher than the market price.

12/ When you do the carbon footprint analysis of a pair of jeans, which part of it’s lifecycle accounts for the most GHG emissions?

1/ b- a breathable and waterproof jacket should be washed regularly to stop if from accumulating dirt and then stocking water. You should also put your jacket into the tumble dryer to renew the DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treatment.

a) 2,5% b) 25% c) 10%

8/ b- In a Fair Trade contract, 18% of the price of the T-shirt goes to the raw material producer. In classic trade situations, this is much lower.

a) my gear b) The grooming of the ski runs, artificial snow and the ski lifts c) The transport to get to the resort

11/ Bearing in mind that cotton represents 2.5% of the world’s culitvated land, what percentage of worldwide pesticide use can be attributed to cotton?

2/ a- There is no such thing as a green ski/board. However manufacturers are working on different options to improve this: less non-renewable resources, less glue, COV-free varnishes, etc.

6/ In terms of GHG emissions, what is the main impact of a day on the mountain? :

a) with a Geiger counter b) with a life cycle analysis c) with a carbon footprint analysis

Answers

9/ b- Growing Bamboo has little or no environmental impact, so Bamboo used as wood in skis & boards is a real eco friendly alternative. However, transforming it into fibre can have important health and environmental consequences.

a) good for my teeth b) good for my teeth and for the base of my skis/board c) toxic when it reaches a certain concentration

10/ How can you measure the impact of each step of a product’s lifecycle?

sustainability but maths don’t seem to be your strong point!

3/ b- It is more or less impossible to recycle a ski as such, because all the skis components are solidly stuck together. Only the steel edges and the aluminium reinforcements can be recycled. The rest is burnt in waste/heat generators or used as fuel for cement factories.

5/ Fluoride contained in ski wax is :

a) the new eco-magical fibre b) a type of fibre that has a number of advantages but needs large amounts of energy and chemicals to be produced c) Hey, Bamboo isn’t a fibre, it’s a tree

between green washing and a green machine

10/ b- A life cycle Analysis (LCA) is a decision making tool. It helps identify and quantify the physical inputs and outputs as well as energy consumption for each stage in the life cycle of a product. It is also useful to identify the main environmental impacts and interpret the results.

a) That like me, the manufacturer likes pretty flowers b) That this product is made of linen c) That this product has been awarded the European eco label

9/Bamboo fibre is :

9 to 12 correct answers : Seems like you know the difference

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

4/ What does the logo on my T-shirt label mean?

a) 5% b) 18% c) 33%

pages of the eco guide before you hit the shops?

4/ c- This pictogramme represents the European eco label. It is the only official European eco label that can be found on products all over the European Union.

a) Of course, they’re made out of wood! b) No, only the steel edges and the aluminium reinforcements can be recycled. The rest is burnt to produce heat and/or energy. c) Of course, I make furniture out of my old skis

12 to 14 correct answers : You’re definitely the latest guru of

5 to 8 correct answers : How about reading through a few more

11/ b- pesticides and chemical fertilisers are widely used to grow cotton. This results in water pollution (rivers and aquifers) making the water unsuitable for human consumption. One answer to this is to grow organic cotton, that is cultivated without any chemical inputs.

3/ Are my old skis/board recyclable?

8/ When I buy a T-shirt that carries the FLO kitemark for 15€, what percentage of this goes to cotton producer in Brasil?

you could ask a few questions before you buy your next piece of gear.

5/ c- 1mg fluoride/day protects our teeth. Above this concentration fluoride in water can cause certain health problems (fluorose) and in extreme cases stunt growth.

a) there is no such thing as a “green ski/ snowboard” b) No there are still many chemical compounds in skis (polymers, carbon fibre, ABS, glue, etc.) and there is nothing you can do about it c) Of course, my skis are biodegradable. If I put them in my garden, a tree wil grow

0 to 4 correct answers : guess you look good on the slopes, but maybe

6/ c- in terms of GHG emissions, the principal impact of skiing/boarding comes from the transport to get to the resort. It can represent up to 60% of a ski resort’s carbon footprint.

2/ today I can easily find “green” skis or snowboards in shops :

a) It’s is an alternative approach to conventional trade and is based on a partnership between producers and consumers b) It’s when I get something cheap, a fair trade for me c) A new type of trade fairs

12/ c- Contrary to popular belief, it’s the washing, drying and ironing that will represent up to 50% of the carbon footprint of a pair of jeans. The transport in itself represents less than 1% of the carbon footprint.

a) once a year b) when it’s dirty or, more or less, every 150 hours c) you must be mad, don’t put it in the washing machine

7/ What is Fair trade? :

7/ a- Fair trade is an alternative approach to conventional trade and is based on a partnership

1/ taking care of my waterproof and breathable jacket means washing it :

the right questions before you buy! Ask yourself

Do I really need this new piece of gear? No need to fill the shopping bag just because the label says ‘eco’. If you don’t need it: don’t buy it!

Ok, so how do I choose my gear?

The

good the bad and the

The good labels Bluesign : a Swiss label that guarantees the absence of products which are potentially harmful to both man and the environment at any stage in the production process. This guarantee extends from the raw material used to the end product life, and from the supplier to the customer.

GOTS

Once you’ve decided that you need this new xyz@&§ is the beginning of the most difficult stage. Apart from price and performance, what other criteria are you going to use to make your choice? And where are you going to find them? - In most cases you have 3 possible answers: - Hassle the salesman

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

- Read the little labels and hangtags

- Go round the web to find as much information as possible Neither of which is totally satisfactory. In some cases you’ll even find contradictory information. And when the brands do provide information, it’s impossible to compare two different brands since they do not se the same criteria. All in all it’s very difficult for the consumer to compare two products and make an informed choice based on information other than the price.

Environmental labelling To help consumers get this kind of information, to help consumer get information that is comparable, the French parliament wanted to make environmental labelling compulsory from January 2011 onwards. However, due to the many issues linked to this project, what was supposed to be compulsory became a voluntary experimentation that will take place from July 2011 onwards. This test will last for a minimum of one year and concerns all products and services that directed to the general public. Any brand wishing to participate can apply here: http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/experimentation-affichage. The aim is to provide customers with 3 different and comparable indicators for each product. One of those will be an indication of the product’s carbon footprint; the other two will depend on the product’s most significant environmental impact. The most important point is that for each category the indicators will be calculated in the same way in order for them to be comparable from brand to brand.

: a new label put together by an international working group for the harmonisation of worldwide organic textile certification. The group is made up the German IVN ((International Association Natural Textile Industry), the British Soil Association, the American Organic Trade Association, and the Japan Organic Cotton Association.

Max

Havelaar : an international label that works with NGOs and producers to guarantee that products respect fair trade standards. These ensure that the conditions of production and trade for all Fairtrade certified products are

Green point : This logo does not mean that the packaging used is recyclable. The green point simply means that a company respects the law. Namely that it pays for part of the cost of recycling the packaging that is put into the market.

ugly labels

socially and economically fair, as well as environmentally responsible.

Oeko-Tex

: A German label that aims to guarantee that textiles products are ecologically harmless to humans. Tests include prohibited carcinogenic substances, regulated substances and substances which according to current knowledge are harmful to health, but which are not yet regulated or prohibited. This label also looks at environmental criteria.

Fair Wear Foundation : An independent label that works with producers, NGOs and unions to guarantee acceptable working conditions in sown textile production worldwide. The label encourages manufacturers to set up monitoring systems and implement the FWF Code of Labour Practices

The ugly labels Tidy man : The tidy man logo is simply an invitation not to litter and an encouragement to dispose of waste responsibly. It does not indicate what the packaging is made of and does not mean that the packaging is recyclable

Prevents ozone depletion : This logo simply indicates that the product in question does not contain any CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons). This is a legal obligation and is used as a commercial argument!commercial

For more information : http://www.eco-sapiens.com/pdf/labels-eco-consommation.pdf

Taking care of your gear Taking care of your gear means helping you go faster and get to the bottom before your mates. But it also means reducing it’s environmental impact because you’re making it last longer.

My skis/board are litteraly stuck to the snow, does it mean I should throw them away? Symptoms : the base of my skis/board are a bit white and I’m really crawling down the slopes. Diagnosis : The base of your skis/board have dried out due to the abrasion of the snow which is why they’re kind of sticking to the snow surface.

My edges aren’t working on the ice! Can you change the edges and put a new set on? Symptoms : My edges aren’t edging, I slide all over the place when it’s icy. Diagnosis : Friction on snow, ice and occasionally shocks with rocks damage your edges and leave them ‘rounded’. Prescription : Just like knives, your edges need to be sharpened. You can do it by hand if you feel up to it, if not go to your local ski shop.

Symptoms : I haven’t been skiing/boarding for a while and my edges are covered in rust. Diagnosis : Your edges are made of steel (that’s why they’re recyclable), but the problem is that steel rusts. Ordonnance : Wipe your skis and your edges at the end of every day (ok, only if you’re a bit manic). Before putting them away for the summer you can wax them and use a little bit more wax than usual to cover the edges. This will protect them from oxidisation and protect the base from dust and drying out.

The base of my skis/ board have lots of holes in them. Can I get some kind of base-filler?

What happens to our skis/boards, boots and bindings when we’ve finished with them? Today, there are three main options :

• 1 :

Thrown away, your skis/board end up in a waste management plant, also known as rubbish dump. Neither the raw materials or the energy potential are reclaimed.

• 2 :

Picked-up by Tri-vallées, your gear is treated in a specific shredder. This will enable the company to reclaim metal, using a magnetic field, to reclaim aluminium, using eddy current separators. The rest will be used as fuel for cement factories. The clinker (dust & ashes left after burning) will be used as ballast for motorways. Energy is reclaimed through this process as well as a small portion of the raw materials: 20 to 25%

• 3 : sold as second hand gear or given to a charity. Your gear will have a ‘second-life’ before coming back to the start of our end of life cycle.

The recyling of skis and boards in a specific channel is definitely a step forward. However, there are still many barriers for the generalisation of such a recycling channel :

• First of all the logistic costs are important and will directly impact the profitability of such a scheme

• Secondly, the volumes necessary to set

up such a recycling channel are far from being reached

• Finally, the recycling of plastics and other synthetic materials contained in skis and boards create other issues. Recycling through combustion in energy from waste plant implies that the smoke from the factory be reprocessed, particularly for plastics containing sulphur or halogens.

1 2

Symptoms : My base looks like swiss Gruyère cheese. Diagnosis : It’s that day in the forest when I crashed into that stump and finished on the rocks that did it. If your base is covered in holes, snow will get into them, slow you down and make turns more difficult . Prescription : The base of your skis needs to be cleaned, levelled and the wholes filled. If your base is covered in holes, snow will get into them, slow you down and make turns more difficult.

En savoir plus : www.mountain-riders.org

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Prescription : You need to nourish the base of your skis/board with ski wax

My edges are rusty. Does it mean I should coat them in anti-rust paint?

Out of sight, out of mind

3 19

The eco guide, how does it work? 1 Awarded logo When the brand meets the criteria set for the logo to be awarded, it will appear in colour on the brand profile. E.g. here the brand was awarded the “durability” logo, because it offers a lifetime guarantee for all its products.

Survey

Consultation, definition of survey’s criteria

Plan-Do-CheckAct continuous improvement process

Mountain Riders data processing

Logo not awarded When the brand does not meet the criteria for the logo to be awarded, it will appear in black & white on the brand profile. Here the brand was the “GHG emission” logo since it has not conducted a carbon footprint analysis and/or taken specific actions to reduce it s carbon footprint. In order for the logo to be awarded, the brand will need to undertake a carbon footprint. This will help identify its main emission factors and hence help to define how to further reduce its emissions.

4 5

Formating & presentation Actions

Communication

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Wax, wax, wax First of all some basic information: skis or a board don’t actually glide on their base but on a thin layer of water in between the base and the snow. Wax is a hydrophobic compound that helps to evacuate this thin layer of water from under your ski/board and thus improve your glide. It is also useful to nourrish and protect your base, which in turn stops it from drying out and ageing prematurely.

What is wax made of?

With the friction of the ski/board’s base on the snow, all of these compounds and microparticles (fluorocarbons, ceramic, graphite, silicone, etc.) will gradually transfer from the base to the snow. They will then accumulate in the snow, water supplies and in the soil. Watch out too when you’re using a hot iron to wax your skis: when the product starts smoking it means the wax is too hot and you might “cook” your base. However, worst of all, the emanations can be toxic and/or flammable. And this is where you start asking yourself questions.

How do I know if my wax is toxic or not?

Tansport, global warming’s bad boy

In Europe, it’s very simple: it’s written on the packaging. French and European legislation impose not only that all products be tested for toxicity before they reach the market, but also that products be flagged when they can be toxic, dangerous, etc.

In 2007, the world’s first carbon footprint of a ski resort, courtesy of Mountain Riders and St Martin de Belleville, setteld the discussion about the biggest GHG impact of a ski resort: it was found that 74% of GHG emissions for this mountain territory were linked to the transport of holidaymakers to get there.

In effect this means that if the wax you use, want to use or wish to buy is either toxic, flammable or dangerous for the environment, the packaging will carry one of the following logos: So without even looking at biodegradability or natural raw materials, the presence or the absence of each one of these logos on your wax’s packaging says a lot more than a long advert about how green your wax is.

In 2009, nine new carbon footprints were used to consolidate these first results. With this larger sample, it turns out that, on average, holidaymakers transport to get to the resort is responsible for just over half of the GHG emissions linked to a ski resort at 57% Whose fault is this? Nobody and everybody really since we all contribute to this. 17% of this 57% is linked to local travel. The remaining 40% is, this time, definitely linked to getting “Joe Blogs” and his family from home to their favourite ski resort. Which is the worst mode of transport? You will all have guessed that this is individual cars, which represent 2/3rds of GHG emissions. This is followed by planes, which represent the last 1/3rd. What about public transport? Well, public transport still represents less than 2% of GHG emissions. This is most likely because we don’t use them enough…

Cross-country skiing and ski mountaineering are just as bad! Whichever way we choose to ride the mountain in winter: Alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country or ski mountaineering, the most important impact of skiing remains TRANSPORT. This is because even if crosscountry skiing and ski mountaineering need much fewer infrastructures, we still use our cars to get to the mountains. So what can we do? Use car lift sharing schemes, use public transport and the infrastructures set up by local and regional bodies. For example from Annecy you can take the bus right up to the plateau Glières, From Grenoble there are bus+skipass packages up to most local resorts, in the Alpes Maritimes (06) all bus tickets cost €1, which means you can from Nice to Auron or Isola 2000 for €1, etc. And for the fittest (craziest?) individuals, why don’t you look at the vélo-ski option: www.veloski.fr

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

To keep it short and simple, most ski wax is made of paraffin, and paraffin is derived form oil, which means it is a non-renewable resource. As well as paraffin, most ski waxes contain surfactants life fluorocarbons. These are usually called fluorinated ski waxes. Nowadays you can also find graphite wax, ceramic wax, silicone wax, etc.

What about transport?

Green skis, who said green skis? There is no such thing as a green ski! Progress in skis is very much linked to progress in composite materials. Today, all the composite materials that make up a ski are bound together with Epoxy resin. Epoxy resin is a heat hardening resin. This means that once it has been hardened, it is not possible to melt it a second time, whatever you do. Designed to be shock and humidity resistant, skis are neither biodegradable, nor recyclable. This is also true when they are composed of natural and renewable resources, recycled raw materials and even raw materials that are recyclable when taken individually.

Sidewalls

Topsheet

ABS (petrochemicals)

ABS, TPU, polyamide: petrochemicals

End of life process: difficult to recycle, since it is glued to the other parts of the ski. Recuperation of energy through incineration

Core Wood: renewable resource

Reinforcements

Polyurethane foam (PU): petrochemicals

Epoxy resin or glass fibre: petrochemicals

End of life process: difficult to recycle, since it is glued to the other parts of the ski. Recuperation of energy through incineration

Edges Steel: mineral resource, non renewable. Can also be recycled steel. End of life process: recyclable, steel can be recuperated.

Base

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): petrochemicals, can also come from recycled HDPE End of life process: difficult to recycle, since it is glued to the other parts of the ski. Recuperation of energy through incineration

When in a process of eco-design, you look for the least damaging technique for the environment, while keeping the highest possible level of performance. You also look at the end of life process while still in the design phase. In the example of a ski, we will be forced to find a compromise between eco-design and performance. Because in this case, one degrades the other; In short we need to find a balance between durability, performance and the use of natural, renewable or recyclable raw materials.

And what about recycling? The process of recycling skis remains to be completed to this day. The only parts of skis that we are able to recycle are the steel edges and aluminium reinforcements, because it is impossible to separate them from the rest of the materials that make up a ski. And this is true whether or not the raw materials used are recyclable. However, they can be used to produce energy in an energy from waste plant or be used as fuel in cement factories. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling creative , you can use your skis to make furniture like our friends at Woodstock creationsÂ : www.woodstock-creation.com

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Ok, so what is a ski made of then?

The input of eco-design

Everything you always wanted to know about Bamboo Bamboo, the miracle fibre? If you run a quick search on the internet, this is the kind of information you’ll find: Bamboo grows very easily, it’s culture does not need any kind of fertiliser or pesticide and needs very little additional water. What’s more, transforming Bamboo into fibre uses 100% ecological processes. And above all these ecological qualities, Bamboo fibre has a number of interesting properties:

• It is biodegradable • It has Natural antibacterial éléments • It has Anti-ultraviolet properties • It moisture absorbency is twice that of cotton

• It is Softer than cotton, with a texture

similar to a blend of cashmere and silk

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

• It is odor-less

Bamboo fibre is often mixed with cotton (65% Bamboo/35% cotton) to obtain a more resitant fibre that is washable at 30-40°. At first sight, Bamboo fibre sounds like the miracle fibre. However, if you dig a bit deeper, the story isn’t the same :

Bamboo Fibre is Viscose, it comes from chemistry The most currently used method to make Bamboo fibre is one of industrial chemistry. After having separated the pulp and leaves from the hard shell of the tree trunk, the pulp is put into a first bath of Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye and caustic soda. It is then put into a second bath of Carbon

disulfide (CS2). Finally, Sulfuric acid is then added to Harden the intermediate product so it can made into fibre. These fibres are then woven to be included into clothes. These two products: Sodium hydroxide and Carbon disulfide are to be the cause of several health problems including fertility problems and neurological diseases for the factory workers. When the factories lack the adequate equipment, which is often the case in developping countries where environmental regulations are much less demanding, these products can also disperse in the air and water.

Bamboo takes a hit! To sum it up, the actual culture of Bamboo has little or no environmental impact, however it’s transformation into fibre can have important health and environmental consequences. As for Bamboo used in skis and boards, you needn’t worry since the wood does not need to go through any chemical process to be used. It’s just, well, wood.

Arbor - USA Created : ...........in 1995 by Gregor Common & Bob Carlson Activities : Production of snowboards, longboards & apparel Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : 17 000 snowboards, 30 000 longboards Turnover : ....................................................................M€1-10 Number of employees : .............................................10 - 49 Website : ..........................................www.arborcollective.eu

Social Environment Eco

Social

Environment

Environmental site management : Selective sorting and recycling of waste at the offices and the factories, printing on recycled paper with soy based inks, employee awareness raising. Retail Shop, offices, racks built with bamboo, recycled wood, and reclaimed materials from snowboard and skateboard production. Environmental commitments : 5% of its profits are donated to support different environmental organisations.

Eco design

Product life cycle : 98% of the apparel is made of Bamboo, the remaining 2% are made of organic cotton provided by: Article1. Packaging & logistics: Its GMO-free, corn based plastic bags are designed to be composted.

design

Beal - France Created : ........................................... in 1976, by Michel Beal Activities : ................................................ Production of ropess Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :............................ 8 Million metres/year Turnover : .......................................................................... N/A Number of employees : ................................................ 50-99 Website : ............................................. www.beal-planet.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Blue Ice - France Created : ........................................... in 2008 by Giovanni Rossi Activities : ........... Production of skitouring, mountaineering and rock and ice climbing gear Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................ N/A Turnover : .......................................................................... N/A Number of employees : ...................................................1 to 9 Website : .................................................... www.blueice.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Social

CSR : The company works with subcontractors that employ disabled staff for the packaging operations. Investment in local communities : 70% of production takes place in France.

Environment

Environmental site management : Beal created an environmental manager position in September 2010. Education & information : The company created and supports the ‘Climbing attitude” initiative. GHG emissions : Carbon footprint analysis currently underway. Beal chooses to produce in France to limit GHG emissions and compensates it’s carbon emissions through the ‘1 rope-1 tree’ initiative.

Eco design

Durability : All products carry a 3-year guarantee. Eco design process : Increased use of white fibre, absence of chemical treatment for 30% of dynamic ropes. End of life & recycling : Recycling of polyamide residues from the rope production process into plastic tubing.

Social

Supply chain : Blue Ice’s main supplier is WRAP certified. Investment in local communities : The company works with French & Italian suppliers (20% of production) and is seeking to increase it’s local production.

Environment

Environmental site management : The owner/general manager is the environmental manager. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : The company favours long-term relationships with suppliers as a base for good quality products and more demanding environmental requirements.

Eco design

Durability : All products have a lifetime guarantee. Product life cycle : Use of recycled polyester in 100% of backpacks and product bags and organic cotton in the T-shirts. Product toxicity : Organic cotton is certified by the Soil Association. 27

Bumtribe - France Created : ................. In 2001, in France by Sébastien Ducrot and Jocelyne Bochet Activities : ................................................ Production of skis Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : ................................ 40 pairs of skis Turnover : .......................................................................... N/A Number of employees : ......................................................... 0

Social

Investment in local communities : 90% of suppliers are based in France or Switzerland.

Environment

Education & information : The brand has an ‘open workshop’ policy for anyone wanting to know more about the skis which it produces. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : The company has personnal knowledge of all its suppliers and of the geographical origin of the skis’ wooden cores

Eider - France Created : ...................................................................... In 1962 Activities : ...................... Production of technical outerwear Group membership : .............................. Yes, Lafuma group Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ................................................................€ 10-49M Number of employees : .............................................10-49 Website : .............................................www.eider-world.com

Eco design

Social Environment

Durability : A repair service is available. The brand offers the possibility of replacing one ski (after this is lost or broken), instead of buying a new pair. Product life cycle : Only one type of wood used for the core, Solvent free ink for the designs. Packaging & logistics : It has mutalised its shipping with other small artisans.

Eco

Created : ..................................... In 2008, by Laurent Pouchoy Activities : ................................. Commercialisation of textile products and accessoires Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ..........................................................................N/A Number of employees : ....................................................... 1 Website : ................................................. www.lecridurenne.fr

Social Environment Eco

design

Dr Jack - France

Education & information : Information on the company’s environmental and social policy, kitemarks and their signification, everyday eco-tips available on the company’s web site. Supply chain : The Fair Wear Foundation certifies 100% of production. CSR: The company works with a subcontractor that employs disabled staff for it’s printing, and gives away 15% of it’s profit to the association ‘Soleil rouge’.

Environment

Environmental site management : The CEO is the environmental manager. Education & information : A ‘recycling/end of life idea sheet’ will be added to every product sold.

Eco design

Product life cycle : Products use organic cotton. Product toxicity : Organic cotton is certified by GOTS and the Soil Association. Packaging & logistics : The company uses exclusively maritime shipping.

Social

Eco design

design 28

Social

Environment

Eco

Supply chain : All suppliers have signed the Lafuma Group social charter, that exists since 1998. Investment in local communities : 30% of production takes place in Europe.

Environment

Environmental site management : Videoconferencing, awareness raising for staff with talks by WWF. The new HQ will be a green building. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : 100% of its suppliers have signed the Lafuma Group’s environmental code of conduct, applying the EU REACH directive, monitoring consumptions and emissions. Environmental commitments : Eider provides financial support to Mountain Riders.

Eco design

Durability : The company offers an in-house repair service. Packaging & logistics : Company policy is to use maritime and road-rail piggy-back as much as possible.

design

Created : .............................. in 2006, by Corentin Desbois Activities : .................................Production of snowscootsGroup membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ................................................................€ 10-49K Number of employees : ............................................. 50-100 Website : ........................................................... www.drjack.fr

Environment

Environment Eco

design

Le cri du Renne - France

Social

Durability : All products have a lifetime guarantee against defects. Frames have a 2-year guarantee against breakage and deformation. Boards are guaranteed for one year against ripping out. End of life & recycling : Frames are taken back, checked and put into the rental circuit. Packaging & logistics : All products are sent in recuperated cardboards.

Envao - France Created : .................In 2007, in France by Julien Lemarié & Anne-Lise Perlat Activities : .......................................Production of surf wears Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :............................................ 3000 pcs Turnover : ................................................................ €10-49K Number of employees : ............................................. 1 - 9 Website : .......................................................... www.envao.fr

Social Environment Eco

design

Faction ski - Switzerland Created : ................. in 2004 by Tony Mc William and Alex Hoye in Switzerland Activities : .........production of skis and skiing accessories Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : 2000 pairs of skis, 1000 pairs of bindings Turnover : ...........................................................K€ 100-999 Number of employees : ........................................................1-9 Website : .............................................www.factionskis.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Social

Workplace wellbeing : 100% of production is Fair Trade certified with contracts that go beyond the Max Havelaar /FLO terms of trade. CSR : Envao pays a development bonus to the weaving cooperative (30% of total purchase price) and supports handicap surf clubs and the Surf insertion organisation. Transparence & traceability : A web report is available detailing the different steps of the production process. The complete list of the brands suppliers is available on the company web site.

Environment

Environmental site management : Eco transport, car lift sharing, selective sorting of office waste, videoconferencing, responsible printing. Environmental commitments : Envao is a member of ‘1% for the planet’.

Eco design

Product life cycle : Products are made of organic cotton and a mix of recycled polyester and recycled cotton. Product toxicity : Brazilian organic cotton is certified by IBD, fabrics are printed with Oeko-tex 100 certified ink. The knitting company has been awarded the brazilian ‘Selo Verde’.

Social

CSR : Test programme in Verbier where old skis will be taken back and sent to Gullmarg in India for the local population to learn to ski. Investment in local communities : Deliberate choice of an EU based factory

Environment

Environmental site management : The company employs a full time environmental manager. Supply chain : Internal EMS (Environmental Management System) at the factory with monitoring of consumptions, measurable goals and bi-monthly reviews, locally sourced wood is used to heat the factory.

Eco design

End of life & recycling : Collected skis are recycled. The steel edges melted down and sold back to industry to be reforged, the rest of the skis are ground and used as concrete filler in local construction. Packaging & logistics : Reduction of airfreight by 20% between 2008 & 2009. Use of a green logistics provider in the US. 29

FST Handwear - France Created : .................... In 2008, in France by Benjamin Cuier and Philippe Larguèze Activities : ............................................ Production of gloves Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : ........................ 15 000 pairs of gloves Turnover : .......................................................... €100-499K Number of employees : .................................................1 - 9 Website : .............................................www.fsthandwear.com

Social

design

Rossignol - France

Created : ...................... In 1907, in France by Abel Rossignol Activities : ......... Production of alpine and cross country skis, snowboards, shoes, bindings, apparel and accessories Group membership : .................................. Rossignol group Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ........................................................... €100-499M Number of employees : ......................................... 1000-4999 Website : ........... www.rossignol.com, www.dynastar.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Grown skis - Germany Created : ................................................... In 2008 in Germany Activities : ................................................... Production of skis Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : ..................................100 pairs of skis Turnover : ....................................................................K€ 1-10 Number of employees : ....................................................1-10 Website : ............................................. www.grownskis.com

Environment Eco

design 30

Environment

Subcontractor & supplier certifications : Since September 2009, their subcontractor in Morocco is ISO 14001 certified. This subcontractor has implemented an EMS with monitoring of environmental impacts and corrective actions. The EU REACH directive is applied by 100% of suppliers. Eco design process : FST carried out an eco design diagnostic, using the eco design pilot tool from The University of Vienna (AT). Product toxicity : Fabrics and ribbons are Oeko-Tex 100 certified, use of solvent free water based inks. Packaging & logistics : Priority use of shipping, limitation of packaging : 1 for every three pairs instead of one for each pair.

Eco

Social

CSR : FST deliberately chooses to use subcontractors employing a disabled workforce and to employ staff from economically and socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Investment in local communities : 100% of suppliers & subcontractors are based in France. Only the assembly of the gloves takes place in Morrocco.

Eco design

Environment

Groupe

Social

Supply chain : The group has implemented an ethical code of conduct, signed by 100% of suppliers, with regular on-thespot audits by an external team of 7 people. Investment in local communities : 85% of alpine skis are produced in Spain and France, 100% of cross country skis and 20% of snowboards are produced in Europe

Environment

Environmental site management : Rossignol employs a full-time environmental manager. Education & information: The company is taking part in the workgroups for the national environmental labelling scheme. Supply chain : The group’s main production site for Rossignol & Dynastar has an ISO 14001 certified EMS.

Eco design

Eco design process : The brand has completed a LCA of raw materials for skis and boots. Product life cycle : For 20102011, 10% of alpine skis will have an 80% recycled base. The eco designed ski range (with 10% locally grown linen, 50% less ink and 10% less plastic) has increased form 2,5 to 20% of the product range. End of life & recycling : One off ski recycling programme for Christmas 2010 set up with Sport2000 and trt

Klättermusen - Sweden Social Created : ............................................. in 1984 by Peter Askulv Activities : ................ Production of clothing & backpacks Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................... 20 000 pcs Turnover : .................................................................... M€ 1-9 Number of employees : .............................................10-49 Website : .............................................www.klattermusen.se

Social Environment Eco

design

Lafuma - France Created : In 1930, in France by Gabriel, Victor & Alfred Lafuma Activities : .............................. Production of outdoor clothing, bags, shoes and accessories Group membership : ..................................... Lafuma group Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ......................................................... €100-1000M Number of employees : .............. 1000-10 000 (Lafuma Group) Website : .....www.lafuma.fr & www.pure-leaf-project.com

Social Environment Eco

design Social

Investment in local communities : Primary choice of local suppliers, 80% of the ski material is locally grown and harvested hard wood. 100% of production takes place in Austria.

Environment

Environmental site management : Grown Skis’ CEO is their environmental manager. Supply chain : ISO14001 and EMAS Environmental Management System (EMS) implemented, but not certified. GHG emissions : The brand carried out the first carbon footprint study of a pair of skis, details available on the brands web site. Environmental commitments : Financial support of Telemarkzone (2% of profits), an organisation for the development of sustainable sport tourism worldwide.

Eco design

Eco design process : Design policy to use as little different materials as possible to improve recyclability and as little non-natural materials as possible. Product life cycle : Use of Basalt fibre as a substitute for fiberglass/kevlar/carbon,100% recycled ski base, wood cores from FSC certified wood. End of life & recycling : Skis are taken back and used for structural furniture for a second life. Product toxicity : Top sheet varnish is made from natural colophonium (pine resin), awarded with ÖkoTest ‘sehr gut’.

Lastage - France Created : ................. in 2008 by Romain Jamet, Matthieu De Tarlé et Bastien Bouffard Activities : .......................................Production of sportswear Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ............................................................... 3000 pcs Number of employees : .............................................10-49 K€ Website : .................................... www.lastage-concept.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Supply chain : Suppliers are visited & audited several times a year. Klattermusen will join the Fair wear foundation in the autumn of 2010.

Environment

Environmental site management : Klattermusen participates in the UN Global Compact. Education & information : The company created it’s own the Eco index, to help customers get an idea of how sustainable a product is and make an informed choice. Environmental commitments : Klattermusen pledges 1% of it’s turnover to environmental organisation through it’s own 1% for the environment.

Eco design

Durability : All products carry a three-year guarantee; an inhouse repair service is also available for all products. Product life cycle : Backpacks are made of100% recycled polyamide from fishing nets, some garments use recycled polyester and organic cotton. The company uses fluorocarbon free materials and when that’s not possible at least PFOA free. End of life & recycling : Klattermusen have set up their own product recuperation & recycling programme. All products have a refund value and are identified as recyclable by a label. Product toxicity: Vegetabledyed merino wool, organic cotton is GOTS certified.

Social

Supply chain : All suppliers have signed the Lafuma Group social charter, that exists since 1998. CSR : The Lafuma foundation supports supports organisations promoting social integration through sport and the WWF

Environment

Education & information : Lafuma developed an environmental labelling system for the Pure Leaf product line. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : 100% of its suppliers have signed the Lafuma Group’s environmental code of conduct, applying the EU REACH directive, monitoring consumptions and emissions. GHG emissions : A carbon footprint study was carried out in 2007 for the whole of the Lafuma group.

Eco design

Eco design process : A LCA of raw materials and products (backpack and shoes) was completed to integrate environmental impacts from the design phase. Product life cycle : Lafuma products use organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester specifically in the ‘pure leaf’ range. Packaging & logistics : Company policy is to use maritime and road-rail piggy-back as much as possible. An audit to reduce the carbon footprint of the logistics chain was completed in 2009.

Social

Supply chain : 100% of production takes place in a factory certified by the joint initiative project. Transparence & traceability : Lastage chooses its suppliers in the publically available list of Patagonia’s suppliers.

Environment

Environmental site management : The brand’s CEO is the environmental manager. Environmental commitments : The company takes part in the spring-cleaning operations organised by Mountain Riders on ski slopes and those organised by the Surfrider foundation on beaches.

Eco design

Eco design process : A simplified LCA of a T-shirt, sweatshirt and polo were completed internally. Product life cycle : All products are 100% organic cotton and have “recycle me” label. End of life & recycling : Lastage has a product take back programme where the customer receives a discount voucher for their next purchase. The company will work with Patagonia for the recycling of their future recycled polyester products. Product toxicity : Organic cotton is certified by GOTS. 31

Mammut - Switzerland Created : ................. In 1862 by Kaspar Tanner in Switzerland Activities : ......... Production of outdoor clothing and gear Group membership : ............ Yes, Conzzeta Holding group Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ....................................................... M€ 100-499 Number of employees : .............................................100-499 Website : ..................................................... www.mammut.ch

Social Environment Eco

design

Millet - France Created : ................. In 1921, in France by Mr & Mrs Millet Activities : Production of outdoor clothing and accessories Group membership : ....................................... Lafuma Group Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ............................................................. € 10-49M Number of employees : .............................................50-99 Website : ............................................................. www.millet.fr

Social Environment Eco

design

Monnet - France Created : ............................. In 1938, in France by Mr Monnet Activities : ................................................Production of socks Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : .........................................................................N/A Number of employees : ................................................... 10-49 Website : .....................................www.monnet-sports.com

Social Environment Eco

design 32

Social

Supply chain : Mammut is a member of Fair Wear Foundation since October 2008. 100% of suppliers have signed the Mammut code of conduct. CSR : The company publishes an annual social report since 2009. Investment in local communities: Ropes are sourced and manufactured in Switzerland. Transparence & traceability : Mammut publishes the list of its first tier suppliers in the annual social report. Environment Environmental site management : The company employs a full time corporate responsibility manager, two other members of staff also devote some of their time to corporate responsibility issues. Environmental commitments : Mammut is a member of the European Association for Conservation, and supports different environmental projects through the association.

Eco design

Durability : Mammut offers a lifetime guarantee for clothing; an in-house repair service is also available for all products. Product life cycle : Mammut products use organic cotton, cocona and merino wool. One sleeping bag is made of 90% recycled components. End of life & recycling : Mammut is actively engaged in the EOG sustainability working group its sub-working group on end of life. Product toxicity: Organic cotton is certified by BioRe, all suppliers are Oeko-tex 100 certified.

Social

Supply chain : All suppliers have signed the Lafuma Group social charter that exists since 1998. CSR : Lafuma foundation. Investment in local communities : 100% of ropes are made in France.

Environment

Environmental site management : Selective sorting of office waste, videoconferencing, responsible printing. GHG emissions : A carbon footprint study was carried out in 2007 for the whole of the Lafuma group. Environmental commitments : Millet supports the ‘Clean mountain expeditions’ and invites it’s employees for a clean up session of the Mer de Glace once a year.

Eco design

Eco design process : A LCA of raw materials and products (backpack and shoes) was completed to integrate environmental impacts from the design phase. Product life cycle : From Spring 2011 onwards, all backpacks will be made of at least 30% recycled raw material. tEnd of life & recycling : Rope recovery and recycling programme: 177 623 m of rope were recovered and recycled in 2010.

Social

Supply chain : The brand does not have any sub-contractors. CSR : Second choice products and end of range are given to charities. Monnet takes part in ‘Fibre citoyenne’ programme. Investment in local communities : 100% of the brand’s production in carried out in France.

Environment

Environmental site management : Monnet has implemented rubbish sorting, and thermal insulation of its factory. Supply chain : The brand has a five-year plan to reduce energy consumptions by 10% and reduce its consumption of fossil energy. GHG emissions : A carbon footprint study has been carried out internally.

Eco design

Product life cycle : 50% of products use renewable raw materials (linen, wool, organic cotton, castor oil). The brand will launch a range of eco-designed products using 100% recycled or renewable raw materials, including polyamide made from castor oil. Product toxicity : Suppliers hold Bluesign and Oeko-Tex certifications.

Nikwax - UK Created : ............................................. in 1978 by Nick Brown Activities : .................. Manufacturing of aftercare products for outdoor clothing & apparel Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : ...........................................3,5 M units Turnover : .............................................................. M€ 10-49 Number of employees : ............................................. 50-99 Website : ..................................................... www.nikwax.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Norrøna - Norway Created : .................................. in 1929 by Jørgen Jørgensen Activities : .................... Production of outerwear, backpacks, gloves, hats & accessories Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ................................................................M€ 10-49 Number of employees : .............................................50-99 Website : ............................................. www.norrona.com/en

Social Environment Eco

design

Oxbow - France Created : ...................................................................... In 1985 Activities : ......................... Production of clothing, accessories and luggage for surfing and snow sports Group membership : .............................. Yes, Lafuma Group Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ...........................................................€100-100M Number of employees : ............ 1000-10 000 (Lafuma Group) Website : ............................................. www.oxboworld.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Social

CSR : Nikwax holds regular stakeholder meetings where environmental, social and local issues are discussed. Investment in local communities : 90% of manufacture, packaging and distribution happen within a two-mile radius of the company in the UK.

Environment

Environmental site management : The company employs a full time environmental specialist. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : 100% of suppliers are assessed for environmental impact using an online survey, ISO 14001 certification is part of this assessment. Supply chain : Nikwax has an ISO 14001 EMS. 10% reduction targets have been set for energy and waste production. GHG emissions : The company calculates it’s yearly GHG emissions. GHG emissions for 2009 were: 187,5 tonnes. Nikwax offsets yearly emissions plus the emissions of 10 years previously.

Eco design

Product toxicity : All Nikwax products are non-persistent, aerosol-free, fluorocarbon-free and harmful VOC-free. Packaging & logistics : All packaging is recyclable.

Social

Supply chain : Norrøna is a member of the Ethical trading Initiative Norway. The company does not allow subcontracting to have the ability to control and inspect workplaces.

Environment

Environmental site management : 100% renewable energy is used in their offices. The brand provides an in-house recycling programme, environmental education for personnel, with talks from an independent environmentalist in Norway. Education & information : The brand encourages customers to have their products repaired rather than replaced, washing & maintenance recommendations available on the brand’s web site.

Eco design

Durability : All products carry a 5-year guarantee; an inhouse repair service is also available. Product life cycle : Down jackets, windstoppers & fleeces contain recycled polyester, pants and shorts made from organic cotton & recycled polyester. Product toxicity : Organic cotton is certififed by GOTS or EKO. Certain materials are certified by Oeko-Tex.

Social

Supply chain : All suppliers have signed the Lafuma Group social charter that exists since 1998. CSR : Supports different organisations such as ‘Surf insertion’ and ‘un maillot pour la vie’

Environment

Environmental site management : The company has signed the UN’s world charter for nature, and has received the EuroSIMA’s Ecoride certification in 2009. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : 100% of its suppliers have signed the Lafuma Group’s environmental code of conduct, applying the EU REACH directive, monitoring consumptions and emissions. GHG emissions : A carbon footprint study was carried out in 2007 for the whole of the Lafuma group.

Eco design

Product life cycle : Products use organic cotton, linen, hemp and recycled polyester. End of life & recycling : Customers are invited to bring in their old sails so these can be recycled as boardbags and accessories. 33

Patagonia - USA Created : ................ In 1973, in the USA by Yvon Chouinard Activities : .................................... Production and distribution of outdoor clothing, gear and accessories Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ...........................................................M€ 100-999 Number of employees : .......................................... 1000-9999 Website : ............................................. www.patagonia.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Petzl - France Created : .............................. In 1975, in France by Paul Petzl Activities : .......... Production of mountaineering and security hardwear, personal protection equipment and headlamps Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ................................................................€50-99M Number of employees : .............................................100-499 Website : ........................................................ www.petzl.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Phenix - France Created : ....................................... In 2005 by Sébastien Perret Activities : .................. Production of snowboards and skis Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : ................................ 30 snowboards Turnover : ................................................................ €10-49K Number of employees : ...................................................... 1-9 Website : .............................. www.phenix-snowboards.com

Social Environment Eco

design 34

Social

Supply chain : Patagonia is a member of the FLA. CSR : Patagonia has an internship program allows employees to take two months to volunteer for an environmental organisation whilst still receiving their salary. Transparence & traceability : The list of Patagonia’s suppliers is available on the web Environment Environmental site management : Patagonia employs a full-time environmental manager. Education & information : Information on the ecological footprint of 16 products is available on the ‘Footprint chronicles’. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : Footwear is produced in ISO14001 certified factories. Environmental commitments : Patagonia is member of the 1% for the planet, and of the EOG association for conservation.

Eco design

Durability : Patagonia products carry a lifetime guarantee, a repair service is also available. Product life cycle : 85% of the 2010 product line contains eco-fibres : organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester and nylon, and chlorine-less wool and/or is recyclable. End of life & recycling : Operates a product recovery & recycling programme since 2005. These products are identified by a specific label. Packaging & logistics : The only product line with packaging is the baselayer product line, with cardboard packaging.

Social

CSR : The company works with subcontractors employing a disabled workforce. It also supports various projects through the Petzl foundation. Investment in local communities : 70% of production carries the ‘made in France’ label.

Environment

Environmental site management : The brand employs a full-time environmental manager. Education & information : Petzl is taking part in the workgroups for the national environmental labelling scheme. GHG emissions : A company-wide carbon footprint study was carried out in 2008. This resulted in a 10% reduction target. Environmental commitments : The company supports various environmental organisations and research projects through the Petzl foundation.

Eco design

Durability : All Petzl products carry a three-year guarantee. Eco design process : A LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) has recently been completed on three key products: a headtorch, a helmet, a harness and a descender.

Social

CSR : Phenix snowboards deliberately chooses not to use exotic wood in production, to limit illegal logging and illegal exports of wood. Investment in local communities : Works with local suppliers as much as possible.

Environment

Education & information : Environmental information is available on the company website. Supply chain : Filtering of workshop water when applying top sheet varnishes.

Eco design

Durability : The purchase of a board includes a service pack with base servicing and edging, filing of wholes and repairs if needed as well as a re-varnishing of the topsheep. Phenix snowboards also offers a standard repair service.

Picture Organic - France Social Supply chain : 100% of the technical outerwear is produced Created : .................In 2008, by Vincent André, Julien Durant and Jérémy Rochette Activities : Production of outdoor clothing, gear and accessorie Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : .........................................4000 items Turnover : .............................................................. €10-49K Number of employees : ....................................................... 1-9 Website : ........................ http://picture-organic-clothing.com

Social Environment Eco

in a factory that is FLO/Max Haavelar certified.

Environment

Education & information : Promotion of organic cotton, Picture chooses to reduce its margins to sell organic cotton at the same price as conventional cotton. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : 100% of suppliers are ISO 14001 certified. Environmental commitments : Financial support of different environmental organisations.

Eco design

Durability : Technical outerwear products are guaranteed three years. Product life cycle : All cotton products are 100% organic cotton. Technical outerwear products use 100% recycled polyamide (for 80% of product range) and 60% recycled polyester +40% virgin polyester (for the remaining 20%). Product toxicity : Organic cotton is certified by GOTS.

design

PYUA - Germany Created : .......................................... in 2007 by Timo Perschke Activities : .................................. Outerwear and streetwear Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ..........................................................................N/A Number of employees : .....................................................1-49 Website : ........................................................... www.pyua.de

Social

Supply chain : 100% of suppliers are Business Social Compliance Initiative certified and SA800 certified. Investment in local communities : 100% of production takes place in Europe.

Environment

Environmental site management : PYUA employs a full time sustainability & innovation manager. Education & information : Environmental information is available on the company website.

Eco design

Social Environment Eco

design

Quechua - France Created : ............................... in 1997, by Jean-Paul Constant Activities : ............ Production of clothing and accessories Group membership : ............................ Yes, Oxylane group Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : .............................................................€ 100-499M Number of employees : ......................................... 1000-4999 Website : ............................................. www.quechua.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Durability : All products carry a 5-year guarantee; a repair service is also available. Product life cycle : Products use Eco circle recycled polyester (60% of production), organic cotton (20% of production) and PTFE free waterproof breathable fabrics. End of life & recycling : There is an in-house garmentcollecting programme for recycling. All recyclable products (100% of production) are clearly labelled as such. Product toxicity : 100% of suppliers are Bluesign/ EcoTex1000 certified.

Social

Supply chain : 100% of Quechua’s first level suppliers and subcontractors have signed the Oxylane Group social charter. The brand conducts frequent external audits and implements a corrective action plan with the subcontractor in question, whenever problems are identified. CSR : The Decathlon Foundation contributes to integration via sport.

Environment

Environmental site management : 3 environmental managers at group level, plus one person within Quechua. GHG emissions : The Décathlon group carried out a carbon footprint analysis in 2007. Environmental commitments : Quechua supports the following environmental organisations: Aster, centre de la nature montagnarde, Pro Mont-Blanc and Mountain Riders.

Eco design

Durability : Backpacks hold a 5-year and a 10-year guarantee. Eco design process : Quechua created an eco design guide book and simplified internal LCA tool for internal design teams. Product life cycle : Products use organic cotton, 100% recycled polyester and recyclable EVA foam. 35

Quiksilver Europe Created : .... In 1969, in Australia by Alan Green & John Law Activities : .................... Production and distribution of outdoor clothing and accessories Group membership : .............................. Yes, Quiksilver Inc Production volumes : ...............................16 000 000 items Turnover : ....................................€ 581M in Europe in 2009 Number of employees : ................................2,400 in Europe Website : ...................................www.quiksilver-europe.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Rapanui - Ile of Wight Created : .................in 2008 by Mart & Rob Drake-Knight Activities : ...........................Production of eco-sportswear Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : ............................................ 2000 pcs Turnover : ..............................................................K€ 50-99 Number of employees : .............................................10-49 Website : ......................................www.rapanuiclothing.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Rip Curl Europe - France Created : ................. In 1969, in Australia by Brian Singer & Doug «Claw» Warbrick Activities : .............clothing, equipment & accessories for surfing, snowboarding and skiing Group membership : ......................... Rip Curl international Production volumes : .........................................6 Million pcs Turnover : ..............................................................€50 - 99M Number of employees : .............................................100 - 499 Website : ........................................................ www.ripcurl.eu

Social Environment Eco

design 36

Social

Education & information : An information booklet on sustainability has been given to all employees, sales reps and distributors. Supply chain : 100% of the brand’s suppliers are audited before working with Quiksilver. 35% of them are GOTS certified, 10% are SA8000 certified. Environment Environmental site management : Quiksilver employs a team of 3 people on sustainability issues. Education & information : European awareness raising campaign on the preservation of water resources. Supply chain: Quiksilver received the EuroSIMA Ecoride certification. GHG emissions : The company completed a carbon footprint analysis in 2010. Environmental commitments : Quiksilver supports a number of environmental organisations through the Quiksilver foundation.

Eco design

Eco design process : Design and purchasing teams have been trained in the principles of eco design, crossfunctional eco design workgroups across the groups different companies, development of eco-designed product lines. Product life cycle : Products use organic cotton, recycled polyester and recycled & recyclable polyester.

Social

Education & information : All certifications are listed and explained on the site company website. Supply chain : 100% of suppliers are audited and certified by the Fairwear foundation. Transparence & traceability : The company website provides a full page on the traceability of all products, where every aspect of the product lifecycle and supply chain can be investigated. Environment Education & information : Rapanui has developed an ecolabelling system that sums up the general eco friendliness of the product for customers to make an informed choice. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : 100% of suppliers are ISO 14001 certified. GHG emissions : Rapanui has calculated the carbon footprint of its clothing. Environmental commitments : Rapanui supports the Marine Conservation society.

Eco design

Eco design process : Rapanui was awarded the Sustainable Business Awards for products and traceability initiatives. Product life cycle : 100% of products are made of organic cotton, hemp or bamboo. End of life & recycling : All products are clearly labelled as recyclable. Product toxicity : 100% of products are certified to Oeko-tex 100 standard & GOTS. Packaging & logistics : Rapanui operates a no airfreight policy.

Social

Supply chain : 77% of suppliers have signed the Rip Curl code of conduct, based on FLA standards. CSR : Rip Curl works with subcontractors employing disabled workers. It holds regular meetings with stakeholders.

Environment Environmental site management : Eco design of the new logistics platform with rainwater harvesting, 5200m2 of solar panels and energy saving lighting. Environmental commitments : Rip Curl created an environmental fund, managed by WWF, which finances environmental projects linked to the oceans and the mountains. Eco design

Eco design process : A LCA analysis of a technical outerwear jacket has been completed. Product life cycle : Rip Curl Planet products contain at least 55% of eco fibres (organic cotton, linen, recycled polyester). End of life & recycling : Project resurrection recuperates and recycles old wetsuits as footwear outsoles. Packaging & logistics : Transport from Asia is 90% shipping, 8% airfreight and 2% road freight for 2009-2010.

Salomon - France Created : .................................. In 1947, by Georges Salomon Activities : ............................ Production and sales of skis, snowboards, shoes and clothing Group membership : ..................... Yes, Amer Sports group Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ......................... €100-999M (Salomon + Bonfire) Number of employees : .............................................100-999 Website : ................................... www.salomonsports.com/fr

Social Environment Eco

design

Sidas - France Created : .................In 1975, by Loïc David, Jacques Martin and Gabriel Pellicot Activities : .......................................Porduction of accessories Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ................................................................€ 10-49K Number of employees : .............................................50-99 Website : ...................................................... www.sidas.com

Social Environment Eco

Social

Supply chain : Independent audits by Bureau Veritas, 30 sites/ year since 2008. CSR : The Salomon foundation supports families who have suffered the loss of a family member working in the mountains.

Environment

Environmental site management : Salomon employs a full-time environmental manager. Education & information : Salomon is taking part in the workgroups for the national environmental labelling scheme. Supply chain : The company has an internal EMS, which has been developed along ISO 14001 guidelines, but is not certified. GHG emissions : Salomon completed a carbon footprint study for the HQ in 2007 and is now undergoing an equivalent study to check the results of the action plan.

Eco design

Eco design process : Internal eco design process supported by an independent expert. A AQLCA has been completed for at least one product in every product line. Product life cycle : Recycling of used skis locally with tri-vallées. Salomon is actively engaged in the EOG sustainability working group its sub-working group on end of life for textile products.

Social

CSR : Sidas works with certain subcontractors that employ 100% disabled staff.

Environment

Environmental site management : Selective sorting of office waste, awareness raising for staff, green printer using FSC paper. The company HQ is a green building equipped with solar photovoltaic panels. GHG emissions : Sidas completed a carbon footprint in summer 2010.

Eco design

Product life cycle : Sidas will launch a bamboo and hay product line in February 2010. Packaging & logistics : All plastic packaging has been stopped and replaced by cardboard or oxo-biodegradable plastics.

design

Teko socks - USA Created : ................................................ 2004 by Jim Heiden Activities : ....................... production of performance socks Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : ..........269000 pairs of socks in 2008 Turnover : ....................................................................M€1-10 Number of employees : .......................................................1-9 Website : ................................................ www.tekosocks.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Social

Supply chain : The company’s sock manufacturer is a member the Fair Labour Association. CSR : The company supports cityWILD, an organisation that takes underprivileged youth into the outdoors. Investment in local communities : 100% of production takes place in the USA.

Environment

Environmental site management : Teko employs a full time director of sustainability. Production line : 100% of production waste is recycled or reused. Environmental commitments : Teko supports different environmental organisations in the USA and in the UK.

Eco design

Product life cycle : The primary fibres used are organic chlorine-free merino wool and recycled polyester. These two primary materials account for at least 85% of product materials. Product toxicity : The wool used is Bluesign and GOTS certified. The recycled polyester is certified to the MBDC silver standard. 37

Va2or - France Created : ... in 2009 by Quentin Henquel and Loïc Bocquel Activities : ............... Production of innovative sports gear Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ..........................................................................N/A Number of employees : ......................................................... 2 Website : ....................................................... www.va2or.com

Social Environment Eco

Social

CSR : The company’s HQ is an economically disadvantaged neighbourhood. Investment in local communities : Products are made in France, 50% of suppliers are also based in France.

Environment

Environmental site management : The company’s CEO is the environmental manager.

Eco design

Durability : Va2or helmets are certified for water, snow and cycling, which means they can be used in up to 20 different activities (BMX, skate, rollerblade, MTB, kayak, Kitesurf, etc.). The brands products have a polypropylene shock absorption frame that means they do NOT need to be thrown away after each impact. End of life & recycling : The polypropylene used is 100% recyclable. A return voucher will be provided at product purchase so customers can send the helmets back at the end of their useful life and then be recycled.

Created : .............................. in 1974 by Albrecht von Dewitz Activities : outdoor gear and clothing and performance apparel Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : ...............................1 Million pcs/year Turnover : ............................................................... M€ 10-99 Number of employees : ............................................. 450-999 Website : ......................................................... www.vaude.de

Social Environment Eco

design

Völkl - Germany Created : ......................... in 1923 by Franz Völkl in Germany Activities : ...................... Production of skis & snowboards Group membership : ............................... Yes, Jarden Corp Production volumes :........................................................ N/A Turnover : ........................................................................ N/A Number of employees : ............................................. 500-999 Website : ..... www.voelkl-snowboards.com, www.voelkl.com

Social Environment Eco 38

design

Created : ......................................................In 2006, in France Activities : ................. Production of skis and snowboards Group membership : ............................. Yes, Oxylane group Production volumes :........................................................N/A Turnover : ...........................................................€100-499M Number of employees : ..................................................10-99 Website : ......................................................www.wedze.com

Social Environment Eco

design

Vaude - Germany

Wed’Ze - France

Social

Supply chain : Vaude’s suppliers are SA8000 and WRAP certified. The company joined the Fair wear foundation in the autumn of 2010. CSR : Vaude supports local organisations by providing them with regular contracts to help them earn money and learn new skills. Environnement Environmental site management : 2800m2 of solar photovoltaic panels on company headquarters (Vaude & Edelrid) that provide 1/3 of the company’s power. Supply chain : Vaude has an EMS that is ISO 14001 and EMAS certified. GHG emissions : The company undertakes a yearly carbon footprint study for the HQ. Emissions for 2009 were: 790T of CO2 equivalent. Environmental commitments : Vaude is a member of the EOG association for conservation.

Eco conception

Durability : All products have a two to three year guarantee. A repair service is available. Eco design process : Vaude has set up an internal eco design tool. Product life cycle : the company uses’ par ‘Products use’. End of life & recycling : Vaude is now working on an industry wide solution for outdoor products with the European Outdoor Group. Product toxicity : All components that are not Bluesign certified are Oeko-tex certified. Organic cotton is GOTS. Packaging & logistics : 95% of products are transported via ship (from Asia to Europe) and then via truck or train.

Zag - France Created : .................In 2002, by Stéphane “Zag” Radiguet Activities : ................................................. Production of skis Group membership : .......................................................... No Production volumes : ................................ 2500 pairs of skis Turnover : ........................................................... €100-499K Number of employees : ......................................................1-9 Website : ....................................................www.zagskis.com

Social Environment

Social

Supply chain : 100% of Quechua’s first level suppliers and subcontractors have signed the Oxylane Group social charter. The brand conducts regular external audits for 100% of suppliers. Corrective action plans are implemented with the subcontractor whenever problems are identified. CSR : The Decathlon Foundation contributes to integration via sport. Environment Environmental site management : 3 environmental managers at group level, plus one person within Wed’Ze. Education & information : Environmental training for all employees. GHG emissions: The Décathlon group carried out a carbon footprint analysis in 2007. Environmental commitments : Wed’Ze supports Mountain Riders.

Eco design

Durability : Backpacks have a 5-year guarantee. Eco design process : Wed’Ze created an eco design guidebook and simplified internal LCA tool for internal design teams. Product life cycle : Use of a dye-free colouring process for ski bags, of recycled lining for jackets, trousers and skis suits. The cotton underwear range uses organic cotton.

Social

Supply chain : Auditing & visit of production site once a year. Employees on the production site in Taiwan receive a higher than average salary.

Environment

Environmental site management : The CEO is the environmental manager. Subcontractor & supplier certifications : Auditing & visit of production site once a year. Environmental commitments : Zag provides Mountain Riders with financial support.

Eco design

End of life & recycling : Zag skis has set up an innovative leasing contract for skiing industry professionals: at the end of two years, skis can be returned to the company for recycling and for ‘energy from waste’ programmes.

Eco

design

Social

Investment in local communities : 80% of skis are made in Germany. The remaining 20% of skis and 100% of snowboards are made in China.

Environment

Environmental site management : The company employs a part time CSR manager and a qualified energy management professional. Production line : In 2009 the company installed heat exchangers on production facilities, saving 130000 m3 of gas per year. Völkl has an internal action plan to reduce energy and water consumption, waste production and increase recycling.

Eco design

Durability: Eco design process: The company offers a small range of eco-designed products with 2 skis, 2 snowboards and a range of organic cotton T-shirts. Product life cycle : Eco designed snowboard & skis with hemp/linen topsheet, 80% recycled base & wooden sidewalls. Product toxicity : Völkl has an ongoing programme for the replacement of Cadmium & reduction of the use of Chrome VI in ski bindings, reduction of the use of Chloride in wood skis. 39

Mountain Riders, the association Our aim Mountain Riders has been working since 2001 for the promotion of sustainable development throughout France’s mountain territories. We aim to work with both the public and private sectors as well as with the nearly 20 million skiers, snowboarders and tourists that come to the Alps every year, to set up concrete and sustainable actions. Our philosophy: Inform, don’t lecture, work with everyone, and make change a positive process by creating the space for proposals of potential solutions and concrete actions.

Our Actions In 2010 over 6000 volunteers helped get 65 tons of litter off the mountain in 165 different ski resorts! Why did they do this? To clean up after the skis season and raise people’s awareness on the impact litter can have in the mountains.

Awareness raising 300 days a year our stands are set up in the mountains, raising public awareness on environmental issues. We also provide educational activities to schools up to 40 times a year.

Our expos on different subjects: ‘everyday acts of green’ focusing on ecological footprint, ‘Save Robert the snowman’ focusing on global warming, ‘litter’ focusing on hte impact of litter and how much litter you can find in the mountains. And also educational posters, DVD’s, video clips, interactive web site, etc.

Audit & consulting To help you put some green into your events: the eco guide to events, but also the eco guide to ski resorts, the eco guide to Mountain gear, our interactive web Platform on sustainability in Mountain regions, carbon footprint studies, training sessions, conferences.

This third edition of the Eco Guide to mountain gear is the result of 12 months of work that involved many experts, industry representatives and volunteers, work that would not have been possible without the support of:

Our partners:

The Mountain Riders team: • Camille,

Eric, Erwann, Florent, Laurent, Louis-Marie, Nicolas, Pauline, Pauline (the other one), Lil’ Seb’, Sylvain and of course Bob the Abominable Snowman

• The association’s volunteers

• The fondation Nicolas Hulot pour la nature et l’homme

• Bénédicte

• The ADEME • The region Rhone-Alpes • The PACA région

Moret from the «Atelier Bloutouf» for the graphic design, page layout and all the illustrations

• Florent

from K-meo for the web design and online work

And especially : • Benjamin

Marias, Eco innovation expert, Azimut innovation

• Carine Rial, sustainable innovation expert, Re-source

• Emmanuel

Médaly,

Not forgetting :

HSE

manager,

• The brands and sustainable development managers that agreed to answer our questions Stewart Sheppard for Mountain Riders

Salomon

• Jérémie

Piolet, environmental expert , groupe Oxylane

Support us ! Supporting Mountain Riders means giving us the resources to bring people together over the issues of sustainable development and responsible tourism. To support us you can join the organisation and become a member, as an individual or an organisation, Buy a T-shirt from the store and wear our colours or simply make a donation. See you on the online store!

www.mountain-riders.org Mountain Riders 233 Carré Curial 73 000 Chambéry tél : 09 54 66 86 83 info@mountain-riders.org

• Julie

Mirly courtois, association Made in Respect

• Olivier Dubigeon, strategic integration and responsible leadership, Sustainway

Help us improve this guide ! Suggestions, observations, any input is welcome.

comments;

Contact : Stewart@mountain-riders.org

For more information : www.mountain-riders.org

Spring-cleaning campaign

The Tools of the trade

Acknowledgements

Pass the guide on to a friend!

www.bloutouf.fr Maquette, illustrations:

B Moret

News, videos, eco friendly living on the organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web site:

printed on eco-labelled paper