HOLMENKOL resolutely pursuing commitment to sustainability
23.01.2020
Ski wax manufacturer showing the way forward: World’s first eco-certified natural ski wax only the beginning
HOLMENKOL is all about environmental protection and performance – for professionals and hobby skiers alike. Principles that are not mutually exclusive for this ski wax manufacturer. On the contrary. The company is resolutely pursuing its commitment to sustainability. With the world’s first eco-certified natural ski wax organic hot wax bars and products that stand for responsible interaction with nature.
The criteria were strict. Requirements were high. The Nordic SWAN Ecolabel is not handed out casually, but instead only given to particularly environmentally-friendly products – in very different fields. At the same time, performance plays an important role in the assessment. The label has been extremely well known for a long time in Scandinavia, where it is especially renowned. “It is not excessive that we are celebrating this distinction as a milestone in our history”, says Timo Fleischmann, Business Director Sales & Brand. They are celebrating because HOLMENKOL has received a SWAN certificate, making it the world’s first eco-certified manufacturer of ski wax. HOLMENKOL took part in the demanding certification process with the Natural Skiwax Bar. It meets all the criteria: Firstly, it is biodegradable.At the same, it delivers impressive quality and performance. Athletes do not have to compromise. “The protection of the environment is not at the expense of performance”, emphasises Fleischmann: “This is performance with a good conscience.”
SWAN Ecolabel just the beginning
It is excellent to have earned this certification, but at the same time it is also an obligation for HOLMENKOL as well as a spur to continue. The company is resolutely pursuing its path towards sustainable and responsible products. The season 2020/21 is thus under the banner of sustainability. This can be seen in product lines and in reorganisations in production.
Natural ski wax: Respecting the environment
The patented Natural Skiwax collection forms a central part of this. “Whoever wants to enjoy nature has to respect it. And that means protecting it”, says Florian Pupp, Sales Manager Germany and Product Manager. Taking such thoughts as its starting point, HOLMENKOL developed the biodegradable ski wax line (according to OECD 301), the products of which bear the eco-label – also a unique selling point. More than 60 percent of the ingredients are degraded after 28 days. Once again, environmental friendliness does not come at the expense of performance. The products are distinguished by their uncomplicated and fast application: apply in a thin layer, wait a while, and polish with the felt. Done. They can be used 24/7 – any day, in any weather. So that winter athletes can concentrate on their passion: winter sport.
Soluble detergent capsules, fluoride-free impregnation
The principle of naturalness also covers care products. For example, HOLMENKOL is presenting soluble detergent capsules – unique in sports retail – in the form of Textile Wash Natural Capsules. As well as this, sustainable raw materials are used. The principle “easy to use” applies here as well and does not just mean simplicity in application but also responsibility. Because the capsules prevent the use of too much detergent. On top of this, a plastic bottle is used, which reduces waste.
HOLMENKOL is also mindful of the environment when it comes to impregnation. Natural Proof guarantees waterproofness with simple spraying, entirely without fluoride. An important pointer to the future. Because spray impregnation is just the beginning. In the next few years, HOLMENKOL is going to develop a 100 percent fluoride-free collection. HOLMENKOL has developed Natural Active Wax for environmentally responsible yet at the same time high-quality shoe care. It is biologically degradable and suitable for all hiking and outdoor shoes.
Environmental awareness goes further than the product
But, for HOLMENKOL, sustainability is not limited to the end-product. Instead, the company applies this criteria to the entire manufacturing process. For example, the natural series is “made in Germany”. The manufacturing plant close to Munster/North Rhine-Westphalia makes short delivery routes possible. In addition, we make use of green electricity and the in-house photovoltaic plant. Every day we are working on further reducing the consumption of energy, water, and waste. We have already been able to save up to five tonnes of waste, 70,000 kWh of electricity, 16.8 tonnes of CO2 and 375 cubic metres of water in one year. This has already been acknowledged: The production plant is ISO-certified for its resource optimisation. “We want to continue on this path and stay consistent”, says Pupp. HOLMENKOL provides another example of this. Already, all the products in the natural series bear the Green Dot and can be disposed of using the yellow bin or yellow sack. But this is not enough for HOLMENKOL. It is replacing plastic packaging: By the end of 2020 60 percent of the boxes and bottles for the textile care products consist of recyclate. These are plastics that have been recycled at least once already.
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