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From the very beginning ION wetsuits are made from Limestone neoprene, replacing neoprene based on petrochemicals
Employees were given an Incentive to come to work by bike. Within half a year more than 15.000 km were done by bike.
Energy audit: to recognize energy saving opportunities/ reduce energy consumption within the company Switch to green electricity
Ongoing research of new material and packaging to reduce the economical footprint of each product
aqua-α™ is a solvent-free and completely water-based adhesive for laminating the neoprene sheets and bonding the seams
Reuse of packaging at our warehouse
All duotone products and related processes as well as ION wetsuits were termed "climate neutral", as their carbon emissions have been calculated and offset by supporting a recognized carbon offset project - a hydroelectric power plant in southern Sri Lanka. A total of 4000 tons (4047,46 tons) of CO2/season A Car going around the entire globe would emit approx. 7562 kg CO2. Emitting 4000 tons a car could circle the globe 529 times
May 1st Duotone called for the first global Clean Beach Day. The goal was to rid the beaches and the sea of garbage and, above all, of plastic, as it not only limits the enjoyments of kiteboarding but also threatens the lives of marine animals, humans and the whole planet. During the first ever Duotone Beach Clean up in 2019 we collected approx. 800kg of trash from beaches around the globe. ~ A german household produces approx. 450 kg trash per capita during one year (* in 2018)
In cooperation with Jobrad, employees have the option of leasing a bike for the way to work at a discount. Maintenance and insurance are also paid by the company
Curv Composite is the most durable material ever processed for a harness. Besides the advantage that it lasts forever, it is made of 100% polypropylene and is therefore 100% recyclable. Curv Composite can also be manufactured without the use of any toxic resin. The goal is to use the material for bags and other harnesses in the future.
All Boardbags made out of recycled ocean plastic
Introducing Polybags out of recycled polyester
After the success of 2019 Duotone decided to go bigger: together with the partners from B&M company the "Save Our Playgrounds" initiative was founded. As part of the initiative, B&M calls on again this year to not rely on anyone else to save our world and thus our "playgrounds": From April 30th to May 3rd it is time again to keep as much plastic waste as possible from being washed into the oceans.
In Dope Dying, color pigments are added to molten plastic solution to produce colorful threads without the actual process of dyeing. This dyeing of the threads eliminates the need to dye the finished woven fabric, saving over 50% of the dye. It also saves large amounts of water as well as energy and prevents water contamination
Here, for the production of the neoprene foam, among other things, carbon black/carbon pigments obtained from old tire recycling are processed. This significantly reduces energy consumption and saves approx. 200g CO2 emissions per wetsuit.
All Hangtags made out of recycled paper
ION introduces the first wetsuit with lining made out of recycled nylon yarn waste.
All Rashguards and wetshirts made out of certified recycled PES
I-foam neopren (SELECT; AMP) will be made out of recycled oyster shell powder
From the very beginning ION wetsuits are made from Limestone neoprene, replacing neoprene based on petrochemicals
Employees were given an Incentive to come to work by bike. Within half a year more than 15.000 km were done by bike.
Energy audit: to recognize energy saving opportunities/ reduce energy consumption within the company Switch to green electricity
Ongoing research of new material and packaging to reduce the economical footprint of each product
aqua-α™ is a solvent-free and completely water-based adhesive for laminating the neoprene sheets and bonding the seams
Reuse of packaging at our warehouse
All duotone products and related processes as well as ION wetsuits were termed "climate neutral", as their carbon emissions have been calculated and offset by supporting a recognized carbon offset project - a hydroelectric power plant in southern Sri Lanka. A total of 4000 tons (4047,46 tons) of CO2/season A Car going around the entire globe would emit approx. 7562 kg CO2. Emitting 4000 tons a car could circle the globe 529 times
May 1st Duotone called for the first global Clean Beach Day. The goal was to rid the beaches and the sea of garbage and, above all, of plastic, as it not only limits the enjoyments of kiteboarding but also threatens the lives of marine animals, humans and the whole planet. During the first ever Duotone Beach Clean up in 2019 we collected approx. 800kg of trash from beaches around the globe. ~ A german household produces approx. 450 kg trash per capita during one year (* in 2018)
In cooperation with Jobrad, employees have the option of leasing a bike for the way to work at a discount. Maintenance and insurance are also paid by the company
Curv Composite is the most durable material ever processed for a harness. Besides the advantage that it lasts forever, it is made of 100% polypropylene and is therefore 100% recyclable. Curv Composite can also be manufactured without the use of any toxic resin. The goal is to use the material for bags and other harnesses in the future.
All Boardbags made out of recycled ocean plastic
Introducing Polybags out of recycled polyester
After the success of 2019 Duotone decided to go bigger: together with the partners from B&M company the "Save Our Playgrounds" initiative was founded. As part of the initiative, B&M calls on again this year to not rely on anyone else to save our world and thus our "playgrounds": From April 30th to May 3rd it is time again to keep as much plastic waste as possible from being washed into the oceans.
In Dope Dying, color pigments are added to molten plastic solution to produce colorful threads without the actual process of dyeing. This dyeing of the threads eliminates the need to dye the finished woven fabric, saving over 50% of the dye. It also saves large amounts of water as well as energy and prevents water contamination
Here, for the production of the neoprene foam, among other things, carbon black/carbon pigments obtained from old tire recycling are processed. This significantly reduces energy consumption and saves approx. 200g CO2 emissions per wetsuit.
All Hangtags made out of recycled paper
ION introduces the first wetsuit with lining made out of recycled nylon yarn waste.
All Rashguards and wetshirts made out of certified recycled PES
I-foam neopren (SELECT; AMP) will be made out of recycled oyster shell powder
In ION crediamo che i limiti siano definiti principalmente dalle capacità e dalla passione di un individuo. Il vento e il tempo sono ostacoli che possiamo superare. Pertanto, vogliamo fornirti l’equipaggiamento che ti consente di individuare e superare i tuoi limiti. Vogliamo supportarti nella realizzazione dei tuoi sogni e desideri sull’acqua, in discesa e in aria. Tuttavia quando la salute del pianeta è in pericolo, dobbiamo confrontarci con altri limiti insormontabili. Crediamo che la nostra missione sia contrastare tutto questo cercando di mantenere i mari e l’aria puliti e il pianeta terra in salute.
In ION crediamo che i limiti siano definiti principalmente dalle capacità e dalla passione di un individuo. Il vento e il tempo sono ostacoli che possiamo superare. Pertanto, vogliamo fornirti l’equipaggiamento che ti consente di individuare e superare i tuoi limiti. Vogliamo supportarti nella realizzazione dei tuoi sogni e desideri sull’acqua, in discesa e in aria. Tuttavia quando la salute del pianeta è in pericolo, dobbiamo confrontarci con altri limiti insormontabili. Crediamo che la nostra missione sia contrastare tutto questo cercando di mantenere i mari e l’aria puliti e il pianeta terra in salute.
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INTERVIEW WITH TILL EBERLE (CEO)
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Hi Till, it has already been several years that you have been implementing sustainability initiatives within Boards & More. However, it is only recently that you have started to speak more openly about what the company is doing to reduce its footprint. Why was Boards & More not promoting these actions more prominently earlier on?
Till: In our industry, claiming to produce environmentally friendly or “green” products is an empty phrase, as the main materials we use to produce our products are not naturally good for the environment. Therefore, we waited to get different concepts executed and up and running that can have a real impact, before we started talking about them.
What are some of the biggest moves that Boards & More has made in recent years towards becoming a more sustainable company?
Till: From my view, we haven’t made any big moves yet, but we are starting and implementing all of the small initiatives that we can. Starting with CO2 compensation for all of our main products (Kites, Boards, Bars, Sails, SUPs), we redesigned all packing to use less material which is from postconsumer sources wherever possible, we are using recycled polyester for our bags and we are organizing and supporting beach clean ups.
What are some of the biggest moves that Boards & More has made in recent years towards becoming a more sustainable company?
Till: From my view, we haven’t made any big moves yet, but we are starting and implementing all of the small initiatives that we can. Starting with CO2 compensation for all of our main products (Kites, Boards, Bars, Sails, SUPs), we redesigned all packing to use less material which is from postconsumer sources wherever possible, we are using recycled polyester for our bags and we are organizing and supporting beach clean ups.
How will these initiatives impact company actions and what will be the resulting effect or reduction in waste?
Till: At the moment we compensate 6.342t of CO² per year. A car that goes around the entire globe once would emit approx. 7562kg. To emit 6.342 tons, that same car would circle the globe 838 times!
With our new packaging concept, we managed to save about 22 tons of paper and about 7 tons of plastic every year.
Further, with our last beach clean-up event, we cleaned up 27 beaches in 16 countries worldwide and collected about 800kg of trash. (Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 we had to postpone our summer 2020 clean up, however we will start this again as soon as it is safe to do so or more locally).
Another initiative is our cooperation with Waste2Wear who recycle postconsumer plastic bottles and produce high-end yarn. This yarn is then woven or knitted into fabrics that are used to produce our ION Core Boardbags and Duotone Kitebags. In one Core Boardbag approx. 51 bottles are processed.
How will these initiatives impact company actions and what will be the resulting effect or reduction in waste?
Till: At the moment we compensate 6.342t of CO² per year. A car that goes around the entire globe once would emit approx. 7562kg. To emit 6.342 tons, that same car would circle the globe 838 times!
With our new packaging concept, we managed to save about 22 tons of paper and about 7 tons of plastic every year.
Further, with our last beach clean-up event, we cleaned up 27 beaches in 16 countries worldwide and collected about 800kg of trash. (Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 we had to postpone our summer 2020 clean up, however we will start this again as soon as it is safe to do so or more locally).
Another initiative is our cooperation with Waste2Wear who recycle postconsumer plastic bottles and produce high-end yarn. This yarn is then woven or knitted into fabrics that are used to produce our ION Core Boardbags and Duotone Kitebags. In one Core Boardbag approx. 51 bottles are processed.
What is your impression of how the majority of employees at Boards & More feel about these policies and projects? Do they jump on board easily?
Till: All B&M employees believe it´s a necessary and important direction. Often, we have discussions about what makes sense and what does not at this stage in our development and with the resources we have available. However, once we agree on what projects we are ready to implement, everyone at B&M jumps onboard quite readily. Sometimes it can take a little time to change people’s habits in terms of making the choices to minimize their personal footprint like by carpooling to work or by taking public transportation instead of driving a personal car, but we’ve already been seeing significant improvement in these areas as well.
What is your impression of how the majority of employees at Boards & More feel about these policies and projects? Do they jump on board easily?
Till: All B&M employees believe it´s a necessary and important direction. Often, we have discussions about what makes sense and what does not at this stage in our development and with the resources we have available. However, once we agree on what projects we are ready to implement, everyone at B&M jumps onboard quite readily. Sometimes it can take a little time to change people’s habits in terms of making the choices to minimize their personal footprint like by carpooling to work or by taking public transportation instead of driving a personal car, but we’ve already been seeing significant improvement in these areas as well.
What are the challenges that come with these new policies?
Till: The biggest challenge for us is that currently there a not many sustainable materials on the market, which fulfill our quality standards. Which is why for now we focus on using materials and building products that will have a longer useable lifetime and will require the user to replace them less frequently.
What are the challenges that come with these new policies?
Till: The biggest challenge for us is that currently there a not many sustainable materials on the market, which fulfill our quality standards. Which is why for now we focus on using materials and building products that will have a longer useable lifetime and will require the user to replace them less frequently.
Why is it worth the effort despite these challenges?
Till: It´s our responsibility to save our playground! And I would like to be able to look into the eyes of my son and at least say that we have tried to minimize our footprint.
Why is it worth the effort despite these challenges?
Till: It´s our responsibility to save our playground! And I would like to be able to look into the eyes of my son and at least say that we have tried to minimize our footprint.
Sustainability is about more than environmentalism, what are some of the ways that Boards & More strives to be sustainable in the broader sense?
Till: I agree! For B&M, ‘sustainability’ also encompasses our employees and partners that we work with in our offices as well as our factories. We regularly visit our factories to ensure that they are meeting strict standards for working conditions and ethics. We strive to always be improving our work environment at our offices as well as our factories.
Sustainability is about more than environmentalism, what are some of the ways that Boards & More strives to be sustainable in the broader sense?
Till: I agree! For B&M, ‘sustainability’ also encompasses our employees and partners that we work with in our offices as well as our factories. We regularly visit our factories to ensure that they are meeting strict standards for working conditions and ethics. We strive to always be improving our work environment at our offices as well as our factories.
What are you most excited about in terms of sustainability at Boards & More? (i.e. future project, overall initiative, coming close to a certain goal?)
Till: Instead of being exited, I am a bit frustrated that we are not able to make bigger improvements at the moment.
What are you most excited about in terms of sustainability at Boards & More? (i.e. future project, overall initiative, coming close to a certain goal?)
Till: Instead of being exited, I am a bit frustrated that we are not able to make bigger improvements at the moment.
What would you say to people who question if sustainability at Boards & More is more about marketing and less about having an actual positive impact?
Till: It´s easy to criticize, but difficult to make it better! Our approach to this topic is by starting with the small steps, we will eventually accomplish our goal to be the most sustainable company that we can be, while continuously contributing to positive social and environmental change. We know we have a long way to go, but we believe that it is better to start today than tomorrow.
What would you say to people who question if sustainability at Boards & More is more about marketing and less about having an actual positive impact?
Till: It´s easy to criticize, but difficult to make it better! Our approach to this topic is by starting with the small steps, we will eventually accomplish our goal to be the most sustainable company that we can be, while continuously contributing to positive social and environmental change. We know we have a long way to go, but we believe that it is better to start today than tomorrow.
In ION crediamo che i limiti siano definiti principalmente dalle capacità e dalla passione di un individuo. Il vento e il tempo sono ostacoli che possiamo superare. Pertanto, vogliamo fornirti l’equipaggiamento che ti consente di individuare e superare i tuoi limiti. Vogliamo supportarti nella realizzazione dei tuoi sogni e desideri sull’acqua, in discesa e in aria. Tuttavia quando la salute del pianeta è in pericolo, dobbiamo confrontarci con altri limiti insormontabili. Crediamo che la nostra missione sia contrastare tutto questo cercando di mantenere i mari e l’aria puliti e il pianeta terra in salute.
In ION crediamo che i limiti siano definiti principalmente dalle capacità e dalla passione di un individuo. Il vento e il tempo sono ostacoli che possiamo superare. Pertanto, vogliamo fornirti l’equipaggiamento che ti consente di individuare e superare i tuoi limiti. Vogliamo supportarti nella realizzazione dei tuoi sogni e desideri sull’acqua, in discesa e in aria. Tuttavia quando la salute del pianeta è in pericolo, dobbiamo confrontarci con altri limiti insormontabili. Crediamo che la nostra missione sia contrastare tutto questo cercando di mantenere i mari e l’aria puliti e il pianeta terra in salute.
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In ION crediamo che i limiti siano definiti principalmente dalle capacità e dalla passione di un individuo. Il vento e il tempo sono ostacoli che possiamo superare. Pertanto, vogliamo fornirti l’equipaggiamento che ti consente di individuare e superare i tuoi limiti. Vogliamo supportarti nella realizzazione dei tuoi sogni e desideri sull’acqua, in discesa e in aria. Tuttavia quando la salute del pianeta è in pericolo, dobbiamo confrontarci con altri limiti insormontabili. Crediamo che la nostra missione sia contrastare tutto questo cercando di mantenere i mari e l’aria puliti e il pianeta terra in salute.
In ION crediamo che i limiti siano definiti principalmente dalle capacità e dalla passione di un individuo. Il vento e il tempo sono ostacoli che possiamo superare. Pertanto, vogliamo fornirti l’equipaggiamento che ti consente di individuare e superare i tuoi limiti. Vogliamo supportarti nella realizzazione dei tuoi sogni e desideri sull’acqua, in discesa e in aria. Tuttavia quando la salute del pianeta è in pericolo, dobbiamo confrontarci con altri limiti insormontabili. Crediamo che la nostra missione sia contrastare tutto questo cercando di mantenere i mari e l’aria puliti e il pianeta terra in salute.
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How does a carbon offset project work ?
Carbon offset projects demonstrably save greenhouse gases through activities such as afforestation or renewable energies. Independent organizations such as TÜV, SGS, PwC, and others check the exact volume saved. The project operator can finance the project through the sale of certified emission reductions. Only projects requiring additional financial support are recognized as carbon offset projects.
Carbon offset projects must meet internationally recognized standards. The most important criteria here are:
Carbon offset projects demonstrably save greenhouse gases through activities such as afforestation or renewable energies. Independent organizations such as TÜV, SGS, PwC, and others check the exact volume saved. The project operator can finance the project through the sale of certified emission reductions. Only projects requiring additional financial support are recognized as carbon offset projects.
Carbon offset projects must meet internationally recognized standards. The most important criteria here are:
It must be ensured that the project can only be realized if it receives additional financing through emissions trading. This means the project must be reliant upon emissions trading in order to cover its financial needs.
It must be ensured that the project can only be realized if it receives additional financing through emissions trading. This means the project must be reliant upon emissions trading in order to cover its financial needs.
It must be ensured that the carbon emissions saved are only counted once — by the certificate owner. In particular, this means that certificates may only be sold once and then have to be retired.
It must be ensured that the carbon emissions saved are only counted once — by the certificate owner. In particular, this means that certificates may only be sold once and then have to be retired.
Emissions savings must take place permanently. For example, carbon sequestration in forests must be long-term in nature. A reforested area that is turned back into a livestock pasture through slash-and-burn farming a few years later cannot receive recognition as a carbon offset project.
Emissions savings must take place permanently. For example, carbon sequestration in forests must be long-term in nature. A reforested area that is turned back into a livestock pasture through slash-and-burn farming a few years later cannot receive recognition as a carbon offset project.
Carbon offset projects must be audited in regular intervals according to the criteria listed above. Independent third parties such as TÜV, SGS, or PwC perform these audits. Audits like these retroactively determine the actual volume of carbon emissions saved.
Carbon offset projects must be audited in regular intervals according to the criteria listed above. Independent third parties such as TÜV, SGS, or PwC perform these audits. Audits like these retroactively determine the actual volume of carbon emissions saved.
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How do products become climate-neutral?
Companies, processes and products are termed "climate neutral" when their carbon emissions have been calculated and offset by supporting recognized carbon offset projects. Besides avoidance and reduction, offsetting carbon emissions represents an additional important step in comprehensive climate protection.
Our products are rendered climate neutral in three steps:
Companies, processes and products are termed "climate neutral" when their carbon emissions have been calculated and offset by supporting recognized carbon offset projects. Besides avoidance and reduction, offsetting carbon emissions represents an additional important step in comprehensive climate protection.
Our products are rendered climate neutral in three steps:
We have calculated the relevant carbon emissions of our company, reduced them as much as possible, and calculated the emissions generated by our products.
The product carbon footprint is calculated based on factors such as raw materials, production, and logistics. In addition we take our general business activities into account, such as administration and business travels.
We have calculated the relevant carbon emissions of our company, reduced them as much as possible, and calculated the emissions generated by our products.
The product carbon footprint is calculated based on factors such as raw materials, production, and logistics. In addition we take our general business activities into account, such as administration and business travels.
Carbon offset projects save or sequestrate emissions through measures such as afforestation or the replacement of fossil fuel technologies through innovative, climate-friendly alternatives. By supporting one of these projects, you can offset the carbon emissions caused by the production, packaging and transportation of our products.
All projects are regularly audited by independent organizations and certified according to international standards, meaning that you can be sure the measures are being implemented on site.
Carbon offset projects save or sequestrate emissions through measures such as afforestation or the replacement of fossil fuel technologies through innovative, climate-friendly alternatives. By supporting one of these projects, you can offset the carbon emissions caused by the production, packaging and transportation of our products.
All projects are regularly audited by independent organizations and certified according to international standards, meaning that you can be sure the measures are being implemented on site.
You obtain full transparency thanks to the ClimatePartner label featuring a unique ID for your order: By entering the ID at www.climatepartner.com, you can find information on the quantity of emissions offset and the carbon offset project you are supporting.
You obtain full transparency thanks to the ClimatePartner label featuring a unique ID for your order: By entering the ID at www.climatepartner.com, you can find information on the quantity of emissions offset and the carbon offset project you are supporting.
Projects
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We strive to use our resources, our knowledge and our connections for environmental protection.
We want to show you this and take you along: we all have the chance to change something. Let us take a stand.
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About ION
ION è un marchio gestito da persone piene di entusiasmo, il cui primo amore sono stati gli sport acquatici. Lanciato nel 2004, si è concentrato inizialmente su mute e prodotti in neoprene per la scena internazionale di surf, kite e wakeboard. La combinazione esclusiva di ION di prodotti di alta qualità confezionati con stile e design progressivi si è guadagnata fan in tutto il mondo.
Alla fine, quello che conta è che ci piace sfrecciare come dei campioni. A prescindere dal tipo di tavola o bici che usiamo. Questa mentalità si rispecchia nella filosofia del brand: ION è la sfida continua con se stessi, immersi nella natura e provando l'ebbrezza della forza di gravità. Pertanto, abbiamo sviluppato un equipaggiamento che non è solo “smart” e innovativo, ma trasforma anche la nostra passione in un design esclusivo.
ION è un marchio gestito da persone piene di entusiasmo, il cui primo amore sono stati gli sport acquatici. Lanciato nel 2004, si è concentrato inizialmente su mute e prodotti in neoprene per la scena internazionale di surf, kite e wakeboard. La combinazione esclusiva di ION di prodotti di alta qualità confezionati con stile e design progressivi si è guadagnata fan in tutto il mondo.
Alla fine, quello che conta è che ci piace sfrecciare come dei campioni. A prescindere dal tipo di tavola o bici che usiamo. Questa mentalità si rispecchia nella filosofia del brand: ION è la sfida continua con se stessi, immersi nella natura e provando l'ebbrezza della forza di gravità. Pertanto, abbiamo sviluppato un equipaggiamento che non è solo “smart” e innovativo, ma trasforma anche la nostra passione in un design esclusivo.
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