Sustainability
In the second half of the last century, scientists placed enormous hopes in plastics. A material that is very durable, easy to process, and can be endlessly transformed into new objects would be a miraculous solution to the multitude of products being created, as well as combating environmental pollution. However, according to OECD data, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled (15% is collected for recycling, but 40% is discarded as residue). Another 19% is incinerated, 50% ends up in landfills, and 22% bypasses waste management systems and ends up in uncontrolled landfills, is incinerated, or enters the terrestrial or aquatic environment – especially in poorer countries. Plastic consumption has quadrupled in the last 30 years, and global plastic production doubled from 2000 to 2019, reaching 460 million tons. In 2019, 6.1 million tons of plastic waste leaked into the aquatic environment, and 1.7 million flowed into oceans. Currently, there are about 30 million tons of plastic waste in seas and oceans, with an additional 109 million tons accumulated in rivers. The accumulation of plastic in rivers means that leaks into oceans will persist for decades, even if improperly managed plastic waste can be significantly reduced.
At our company, we believe that cycling is particularly connected to the natural environment. The bicycle is often a tool to escape urban noise, and the time spent pedaling is a moment to catch one’s breath from daily responsibilities. The tranquility we experience while interacting with nature is enhanced by the freedom and mobility offered by the bicycle. Every bike ride involves enjoying the surrounding nature, so as an industry, we should take special care of the natural environment and set an example of sustainable development.
When introducing new products, we consider their entire life cycle, from design and production to end-of-life and the possibility of recycling. We strive to use as many recycled materials as possible, but technologically, it is unfortunately not currently feasible for them to constitute the entirety used in production. The primary materials we are forced to use are selected to be recyclable. In our products, we most commonly use polyamide, polypropylene, steel, and aluminum. Each of these materials can be reused, and after processing, a new item can be produced from them.
We have also changed our approach to packaging. All new products are packaged in boxes made of ecological, grey cardboard from recycling, and most shipments to distributors are carried out in boxes that have been given a second life by us.
Looking to the future, we aim to ensure that the materials used in the production of our components circulate in everyday use in the form of various items, similar to the circulation of chemical elements in the natural environment.
