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As a ski manufacturer, protecting the global ecosystem is more important than ever for Völkl. Winter sports are disproportionately impacted by the growing burden on the environment and natural world, and depend on protecting the “white gold” found in the mountains. Völkl, the last remaining ski manufacturer in Germany, sees protecting the environment as its responsibility, which is why sustainability and resource efficiency are so important to this company. From the sourcing of raw materials and production to the use of the products and disposal – the company efforts to be sustainable cover the entire life cycle of the products.
Sourcing and processing of raw materials
Starting in the first stage in a ski’s life cycle – the sourcing and processing of raw materials – Völkl put a premium on sustainability, relying on alliances with hand-chosen local partners. The raw materials they use come from 100 % European sources. For example, the wood used to make the skis comes exclusively from European FSC- and PEFC-certified renewable sources. The suppliers recycle 100 % of the wood that cannot be used in ski production, for example to generate electricity, or give it directly to local farmers in the form of sawdust.
Völkl transport the individual raw materials used in production in returnable wooden packaging without film wrapping that is reusable and sustainable. The location of the Völkl factory in Straubing, Germany, allows for short transport routes, reducing emissions of pollutants.
Photographer: Marc Müller © Marker Dalbello Völkl
Pre-production of prototypes
The “Made in Germany” quality promise means Völkl skis must meet high standards. Living up to them requires years of development, including extensive testing and optimisation of prototypes. The use of recycled and residual materials, along with misprinted surface materials, reduces waste in this stage of production. To keep prototype production to a minimum – and reduce the use of resources – Völkl also often simulate the design of a new ski only using a computer. They assess the production processes annually to identify opportunities for optimisation, there by keeping waste to a minimum without compromising on quality.
Production
The main Völkl factory in Straubing is one of the world’s most advanced ski production plants. The German location and “Made in Germany” quality promise allow to directly control working conditions, contribute to regional value chains and support the EU economy.
The energy management system at the factory in Straubing is certified according to DIN ISO 50001. In the interests of clean production, Völkl has significantly reduced the use of poisonous and hazardous substances, and they have completely eliminated them from many stages of production. For example, the hazardous substance dichloromethane (DCM) is no longer used in the production process. The recirculation of grinding water has allowed them to reduce water consumption by almost 50 %. Recycled materials, such as steel edges and coatings, generally play an important role. Up to 28 % of the skis are now made from recycled or sustainably produced materials.
Distribution
Reusable, returnable packing is also used to distribute the products. Where cardboard packaging is required, Völkl uses sustainable products made of 75 % recycled, FSC-certified paper from responsibly managed forests.
Use and disposal
Völkl’s high-quality, long-lasting products are a key element of the efforts to be sustainable. This is complemented by a complaint processing and repair service in Straubing, which prevents the disposal of an entire product by replacing individual parts, thereby reducing the use of new materials.
The company works closely with certified regional waste disposal service providers and puts great emphasis on the extensive reuse and recycling of individual materials including aluminium chips, steel, paper and wood.
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