Here at K2, we realize that our inline skates will never be 100% sustainable, but we believe that by using high performing sustainable materials, we can make a difference and help create a cleaner planet for our children.
In one year K2 has completely eliminated PVC's from our Eco Skate Family and we will continue to research different sustainable materials that we plan to utilize across our product line to help "Save our Planet, One Skate At A Time."
Created Sustainable Bamboo Frames
What is Bamboo - I bet you didn't know that Bamboo is botanically not a wood, but a grass. During time and with special treatment, this grass gets wood characteristics that are ideal sustainable materials for building performance inline skate frames that absorb vibration as well as they transfer energy.
Here are the top five reasons K2 is using Bamboo to make inline frames:
1. It's sustainable. Mao Bamboo, which K2 uses to build its inline skate frames, can grow 30-50 cm a day and a third of its bamboo stems can be farmed from its reservoir each year without reducing the size of its bamboo forest.
2. K2 Bamboo Frames outperform aluminum frames of the same class. Bamboo provides similar properties as hardwoods and has become the best means to replace hardwoods thanks to its ability to generate rapidly and its fine fiber structure. These properties create an inline skate frame that transfers energy as fast as an aluminum frame while sucking up road vibrations and creating a smooth ride.
3. The strength to weight ratio is second to none. Bamboo is harder then Oak and is a stable, lightweight material with little to no shrinking or swelling. To the inline skater this means that this lightweight Bamboo frame is going to be as durable as one of K2's popular aluminum frames.
4. We are innovators in our industry and we will never stop innovating. Since K2 invented the revolutionary Softboot in 1994, we have set the bar for delivering the most innovative products the inline skate world has seen to date. to the inline This passion for innovation still drives K2 engineers has changed over the past decade and whether it is the trend of "Big Wheels" or "Eco Skates," we pride ourselves on being a year ahead of our competition.
5. They look cool. I have seen a lot of skates turn heads in my day, klops, big-wheeled skates, off-road skates, but nothing turns heads like a K2 bamboo framed skate.
Maximized the use of PET in Skate Liners
The PET revolution: What Is PET?
The start to developing a sustainable upper starts with recycled PET thread. What is PET you may ask? PET, the abbreviation for Polyethylen-terephthalat, is a fully recyclable plastic that is now used for manufacturing new products. PET is found in water bottles, soda, pop bottles, detergents, cosmetics as well as other items known as post consumer PET (and designated with a recycle triangle with the number 1 in it). The primary material in K2's Eco skate uppers is PET and we use it in many different ways.
Utilized PET Mesh's for Breathability
The PET revolution: What Is PET?
The start to developing a sustainable upper starts with recycled PET thread. What is PET you may ask? PET, the abbreviation for Polyethylen-terephthalat, is a fully recyclable plastic that is now used for manufacturing new products. PET is found in water bottles, soda, pop bottles, detergents, cosmetics as well as other items known as post consumer PET (and designated with a recycle triangle with the number 1 in it). The primary material in K2's Eco skate uppers is PET and we use it in many different ways.
Developed Closure System Featuring PET Laces
The PET revolution: What Is PET?
The start to developing a sustainable upper starts with recycled PET thread. What is PET you may ask? PET, the abbreviation for Polyethylen-terephthalat, is a fully recyclable plastic that is now used for manufacturing new products. PET is found in water bottles, soda, pop bottles, detergents, cosmetics as well as other items known as post consumer PET (and designated with a recycle triangle with the number 1 in it). The primary material in K2's Eco skate uppers is PET and we use it in many different ways.
Used PET Webbing in high abrasion spots
The PET revolution: What Is PET?
The start to developing a sustainable upper starts with recycled PET thread. What is PET you may ask? PET, the abbreviation for Polyethylen-terephthalat, is a fully recyclable plastic that is now used for manufacturing new products. PET is found in water bottles, soda, pop bottles, detergents, cosmetics as well as other items known as post consumer PET (and designated with a recycle triangle with the number 1 in it). The primary material in K2's Eco skate uppers is PET and we use it in many different ways.
Built uppers around a recycled lasting board
Reduced overall waste with Eco Packaging
1. Box made of recycled cardboard
2. Printed with Soy based ink
3. Reduced amount of ink used on box by 70%
K2 Skate's Long-Term Goals
Long-Term Goals: K2 is currently working with our raw material suppliers and shops in order to achieve our goal of creating a recycle/take-back program in the next 2 years. In the mean-time here are some suggestions on what you can do as a consumer to recycle/re-use your old inline skates:
1. Use your old wheels on your luggage.
2. Remove all metal parts. All metals can be recycled normally.
3. Uppers can be taken to the local Nike store for shredding.
4. Plastic bases and cuffs need to be delivered to a recycling facility.
5. Donate your skates to a local boys and girls club or after school program.
Etu Skate
Maia Skate
