RE ZRO®

Build to perform.
Engineered to disappear.

Shaping the future of protective gear

Chasing lines, pushing boundaries, and flowing through nature — this is what drives us. But as our ambitions grow, so does our responsibility. At ION, we believe true progress means delivering elite-level protection without leaving a heavy mark on the environment. That mindset is what led us to partner up with RE ZRO® — engineered for riders who demand maximum impact protection and gear that reflects their values beyond the ride.

The RE ZRO® Material is built to take big hits — while leaving a smaller footprint when it's time is up. It’s flexible when you need to move, resilient on impact and the first protection pad of its kind to be biodegradable*.

Launched with our award-winning ARCON LT knee pads, RE ZRO® now drives the most advanced protection in our line — on the bike and on the water. From singletrail to shorelines, it's raising the standard for what protection gear can be.

ION Bike _ION x Re Zro Knee Pad ARCN L2_1

Reliable Protection

RE ZRO’s proprietary technology safeguards riders by allowing its molecular bonds to fracture upon impact. This process dissipates energy as heat and sound — a phenomenon known as shear-thinning. Immediately after impact, the supermolecules recombine, effectively resetting the material back to its original RE ZRO® state.

RE ZRO® absorbs impact through shear-thinning — its molecules break apart to disperse energy, then instantly reset to their original state, ready for the next hit.

Verified Biodegradable*

The biodegradation process only begins once the product is placed in a landfill environment — one that is rich in microbes and low in oxygen. So don’t worry about your gear disintegrating during your session. In this special setting, microbes and fungi colonise the material at the molecular level, feasting on the carbon in the plastic and leaving behind only biogas and biomass.

In landfill environments, RE ZRO® breaks down at the molecular level, turning into biogas and biomass. But don’t worry — it stays strong and stable through every ride and adventure.

»Our expectation for impact protection is extremely high, therefore we want to rule out any scenarious where safety could be compromised. This high standard to ourselves as well as the desire to develop into a more sustainable direction was a challenge to overcome. With RE ZRO® we found a partner that checks off all boxes without compromises, delivering reliable & safe protection that meets & exceeds our expectations.«
— Robert Scheibenzuber, Senior Manager Product & Design

A conversation with RE ZRO®

Reimagining impact protection

When it comes to sustainable innovation in protection gear, RE ZRO® is leading the charge. But make no mistake—RE ZRO® materials aren’t your typical “bioplastics.” In fact, that’s an important distinction. While bioplastics are often presented as a sustainable alternative, RE ZRO® has taken a different route. 'Their materials, enhanced by TOTO-TOA®, are engineered to biodegrade specifically in landfill environments—acknowledging the unfortunate reality that many products still end up there.

This honest, practical approach to sustainability goes hand-in-hand with broader efforts: from sourcing materials locally to extending product durability and developing thoughtful end-of-life solutions. RE ZRO® encourages both brands and consumers to play an active role—by supporting better products and pressuring local systems and industries to evolve. As they put it, buying decisions matter. When consumers demand better, brands are pushed to step up.

From the start, RE ZRO® set out with two clear goals: develop cutting-edge protection that keeps athletes and riders safe, and ensure those products also protect the environment. They’re still on that mission—and thinking even bigger. For RE ZRO®, biodegradability is an essential safety net, especially as global recycling systems continue to fall short. But their true ambition is circularity. The ultimate vision? To have products returned at the end of their life and reused in new gear. That’s the future they’re working toward—so, as they say, watch this space.

When asked what needs to change within the protection industry to meet the environmental challenges ahead, RE ZRO® doesn’t shy away from the complexity. The issues span far and wide—from CO2 emissions to plastic pollution and deforestation. Their focus, however, is clear: tackling end-of-life plastics. Most traditional body protection is made from polyurethane—a material that’s difficult to recycle, creates significant waste during production, and involves harmful chemicals. RE ZRO® is out to prove that a modern, cleaner alternative exists. But progress also depends on education—helping people understand when to replace worn-out gear and how to dispose of it responsibly.

So why sustainable impact protection? Because the industry has spent too long relying on outdated materials just because they’re cheap and easy to produce. Riders are asking for more. They want gear that delivers high performance while reducing environmental harm—and that’s exactly the kind of change RE ZRO® is driving.

So, what inspired RE ZRO® to take on such a big challenge?

Passion — and a deep connection to the sports they serve.
“Our team is made up of riders through and through—motorcycle racers, snowboarders, kiteboarders, adventure athletes. We knew what needed to change, both in terms of user experience and sustainability. So we built something we could believe in. And we’re having a blast doing it. That’s the best part.”

»From day one, this project has been about the details. Every contour, every material choice—nothing was left to chance. Collaborating with Nico and top-level athletes has been crucial in shaping a product that not only performs at the highest level but truly resonates with the people who live and breathe this sport. Working with the ION team has been nothing short of exceptional—they understand the culture, the community, and the passion behind it all. Together, we've built more than just a product—we've captured the spirit of what this scene is really about.«
— Jake Tindall, Head of Marketing RE ZRO®