Snowboarding is beloved for its thrilling downhill rides and camaraderie. But the protective gear and equipment traditionally requires significant resources and synthetic materials with environmental impacts.
As interest grows around sustainability, brands are rethinking snowboard products using recycled components, renewable resources, and eco-conscious processes. The innovations allow for guilt-free days shredding powder.
Here are some of the ways snowboarding gear is becoming more eco-friendly:
Sustainable Snowboarding Jackets Many companies now produce high-performance outer layers from recycled plastic bottles and plant-based materials like cork and Tencel. Renewable insulates replace synthetic fills.
Sustainable Snowboarding Pants
Snow pants are upgraded with recycled nylon woven into breathable yet waterproof shell fabrics. Natural dyes derived from plants and minerals replace toxic chemical dyes.
Organic Cotton Snowboarding Base Layers
Base layers and thermals utilize organic cotton, wool, and lyocell instead of synthetic fabrics. They provide temperature regulation and odor control naturally.
Sustainable Snowboard Production
Eco-friendly snowboard cores are crafted from lightweight bamboo rather than resin and fiberglass to reduce plastic waste. Bases, edges and topsheets also utilize recycled materials.
Sustainable Snowboard Bindings
Bindings and straps contain recycled aluminum and plastic components along with fasteners made of renewable cork rather than standard metal. Webbing is made of recycled yarn blends.
Eco-Friendly Snowboarding Helmets
Sustainable helmets substitute recycled ABS or polycarbonate for virgin plastics. Inner linings and pads use recycled synthetic insulation and organic cotton coverings.
Sustainable Snowboard Boots
Boots designed for eco-conscious riders contain recycled rubber outsoles and midsoles made from algae. Liners utilize recycled synthetic fills and natural wool for warmth.
Eco-Friendly Snowboarding Goggles
Goggle frames and lenses get upgraded with plant-based materials instead of new plastics. Strap components are made of recycled synthetics or renewable cork.
Renewable Protective Wax
Snowboarders prep gear with plant-based waxes rather than standard petroleum-based formulations. Natural waxes glide well with less environmental impacts.
Compostable Packaging
Eco-brands ship snowboard products in certified compostable bags and mailers made of paper, cornstarch and other materials that biodegrade into healthy soil.
As the entire snow sports industry moves toward sustainability, researchers continue developing new protective finishes, eco-friendly fabrics, and upcycling processes to further reduce waste and impacts. Riders demand gear that enables enjoyment of nature without contradicting environmental values.
The eco-innovations allow for downhill rides on boards and bindings made from recycled and renewable resources. Sustainable gear matches the passion snowboarders feel carving fresh tracks through powder under skies and terrain worth protecting.
