As snowboarders, we’re deeply connected to the mountains. We see firsthand the effects of climate change—winters are getting shorter, snowpacks are shrinking, and our playgrounds are changing. Naturally, we want to do our part to protect the places we love. But here’s the reality: making a truly zero-impact snowboard brand is damn near impossible.
The Trade-Off: Longevity vs. Eco-Friendly Materials
The biggest challenge? Finding the balance between durability and sustainability. At first glance, the solution seems simple—just use the most eco-friendly materials possible. But that’s where things get tricky.
Many of the newest bio-based and recycled materials don’t have the same lifespan or performance characteristics as traditional composites. A board that falls apart after a season of hard riding isn’t sustainable—it just leads to more production, more waste, and more energy consumption in the long run. The most eco-friendly move is often making gear that lasts, but that sometimes means using materials with a higher environmental cost upfront.
The Reality of Snowboard Construction
Let’s break it down. Snowboards rely on a mix of wood cores, fiberglass or carbon reinforcements, metal edges, and plastic sidewalls and bases. Each of these components has an environmental cost:
✔ Wood Cores: Sourcing FSC-certified or reclaimed wood helps, but logging and transportation still leave a footprint.
✔ Resins & Composites: Petroleum-based epoxies are the industry standard because they’re strong and reliable. There are bio-based alternatives, but they often require additional processing and don’t always match the durability of traditional resins.
✔ Bases & Sidewalls: P-Tex (UHMWPE) bases provide durability and performance, but they’re derived from fossil fuels. Recycled options exist but often sacrifice speed and longevity.
✔ Metal Edges: Recycled steel is an option, but mining and processing still make this a resource-heavy component.
Steps in the Right Direction
While true zero-impact may be out of reach, there are ways to minimize the footprint:
✅ Durability First: Building boards that last multiple seasons means fewer boards in landfills.
✅ Responsible Materials: Using sustainably harvested wood, bio-based resins, and recycled materials where they make sense.
✅ Eco-Manufacturing: Reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and working with factories that prioritize sustainability.
✅ Repairability: Encouraging riders to tune, repair, and extend the life of their boards rather than replacing them too soon.
✅ Carbon Offsets & Giving Back: Supporting reforestation, conservation, and environmental advocacy to counteract the inevitable footprint.
The Bottom Line
There’s no silver bullet. Every decision comes with trade-offs, and the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. As a snowboard brand, we’re committed to pushing for better materials, smarter designs, and responsible manufacturing. And as riders, we can all do our part by taking care of our gear, making informed choices, and supporting brands that put the planet first.
The mountains give us everything. It’s on us to do what we can to protect.