Fluorine-free on the slope: new wax range from HOLMENKOL Whether professional or part-time: manufacturer HOLMENKOL now makes environmentally friendly waxing possible for all skiers
21.01.2021Sustainability begins in the small things, the details. Just like the perfect skiing enjoyment. HOLMENKOL shows where both begin: the ski wax. It forms the basis for the best times on the slopes, for fun AND for responsibility towards nature. For winter 2021/22, the company presents the FF series, a completely fluorine-free wax for competitive sportspeople and ambitious athletes. The only right step for HOLMENKOL, the world’s first eco-certified ski wax manufacturer.
A wax must provide skiers with optimal support. It must make the difference. In every respect. With the right wax, the ski offers the perfect experience on the descent. At the same time, however, it must make its contribution to the protection of the environment – at least for ski wax manufacturer HOLMENKOL. “To us, sustainability is not just a word,” stresses Business Director Timo Fleischmann. “It is THE topic for us; it has been for a long time and is even more so now.”
Fluorine ban: challenge gladly accepted
Since mid-2020, the use of fluorinated substances has been strictly regulated. The raw material will also disappear completely from competitive sport. It was time to replace formulas that for decades have provided for the best times on the slopes. The future: waxes without fluorine, but also without any loss in performance. Because top performance tolerates no compromises. “This presented us with a major challenge,” says Timo Fleischmann. “However, we accepted this challenge very gladly.” HOLMENKOL supports the European Union’s decision to ban certain fluorine compounds 100 per cent. “There was no alternative,” emphasises Pupp. The company has long pursued the path of sustainability. In 2019, the Natural series was completely revised and re-established. In 2020, HOLMENKOL becomes the world’s first SWAN eco-certified ski wax manufacturer. Now the team is developing the new FF wax series. A fluorine-free collection for racing that helps competitive athletes produce top times. Thus, HOLMENKOL has a complete collection of environmentally friendly ski waxes.
FF ski wax range: top performance completely without fluorine
FF: The name stands for Fluorine Free, “Or for fast and furious – that would also fit very well, at any rate,” says Timo Fleischmann. For behind the new FF ski wax range is high tech for speed and top performance on the slope – completely without fluorine. Professional athletes have already spent two years testing the FF series at the Ski World Cup. Their feedback went directly into the development of the products. The six liquid waxes and five fluorine-free paraffin waxes are the result of the Syntec project, the development of the company’s own raw materials and top products at its in-house laboratory and in close cooperation with professionals. The waxes can be grouped into two categories: SYNTEC ff1 liquid waxes for racing consist of three high performance liquid waxes for different weather conditions and are ideal as a finish before the start of the race. Ambitious athletes will find the right products among the SYNTEC ff2 liquid waxes: also three performance liquid waxes for various temperatures. They offer maximum performance with an uncomplicated finish.
Natural ski wax: respecting the Environment
Whoever wants to enjoy nature has to respect it. And that means protecting it. In line with this principle, HOLMENKOL has developed the patented Natural ski wax collection, a biodegradable ski wax line (according to OECD 301). Its products bear the organic label, a unique selling proposition. More than 60 per cent 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. Thus, skiers can concentrate fully on their passion: skiing. And with a good conscience.
Where HOLMENKOL has long focused on sustainability
At HOLMENKOL, the features organic and sustainable are not limited to ingredients. The company thinks of sustainability as a cycle. At HOLMENKOL, organic begins in production. The Natural series is “made in Germany”, with the manufacturing plant close to Muenster, North Rhine-Westphalia, making short delivery routes possible. Eco-power and the company’s own photovoltaic plant ensure responsible energy production. The consumption of energy, water and waste is to be continuously reduced. HOLMENKOL has already been able to save up to five tons of waste, 70,000 kWh of electricity, 16.8 tons of CO2 and 375 cubic metres of water in one year.
Organic also applies to the Natural range’s packaging. They have the green dot and can be disposed of in the yellow bin or yellow sack. The process is constantly being developed. HOLMENKOL is gradually replacing plastic packaging. Ski wax boxes and bottles for textile care products increasingly consist of recycled material. These are plastics that have been recycled at least once already. Product manager Florian Pupp emphasises: “We will continue to pursue this path.”
Soluble detergent capsules, fluorine-free impregnation
The principle of naturalness also covers textile care products. For example, soluble detergent capsules – unique in sports retail – in the form of Textile Wash Natural Capsules are part of the product range. Here, sustainable raw materials are used. HOLMENKOL has also long been mindful of the environment when it comes to impregnation. The fluorine-free spray impregnation Natural Proof renews the water-repellent properties of all membrane textiles. 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.
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