WATERLOO, Wis. (BRAIN) — Trek Bicycle says sourcing aluminum from manufacturers who use less fossil fuel has lowered the carbon impact of its alloy bikes. The company also says using recycled rubber in its tires — and collecting used tires for recycling at its stores — is also making a difference in the company's overall carbon footprint.
The company said its goal was to cut emissions for each bike it makes by half by 2032. Now it thinks it on track to meet that goal by 2027.
The company's latest Sustainability Report covers various programs, including the use of recycled EPS and plastics in its helmets, making water bottles from plant-based materials, using recycled materials in other accessories, and the use of organic materials in frame graphics, among others.
"Our sustainability report isn't only about tracking progress — it's about accelerating it," said Joel Demeritt, Trek's global sustainability manager. "We're setting the groundwork now for major change in just the next year or two. It's necessary work that's making a difference beyond our walls, and we're excited to get more companies to join us in this effort."
Low-impact aluminum. Trek said it found that aluminum made by fossil fuel-powered facilities was the top contributor to its greenhouse gas emissions. Aluminum was made at facilities powered by renewables reduced the impact massively.
The company said its first low-impact aluminum bike frames are now available and the company will expand use of the lower-impact alloy across more bikes and components in coming years. Trek President John Burke said, "Low-impact aluminum is a massive step forward that will allow us to reach our goals faster than expected, but the real impact we can have is proving this can be done so more companies in the bike industry and beyond follow this path."
By sourcing aluminum from low-impact suppliers for its frames, forks, rims, seatpost, stem and handlebars, Trek reduced the emissions from its Marlin 5 model by over 46%, it said.
Recycling rubber. Trek is moving on two fronts in the climate footprint of bike tires: Use of recycled carbon black in its new tires, and recovering used tires for recycling at its stores. It said using recycled carbon black has reduced carbon emissions by 57 metric tons, more than it originally forecast. As of November, all Trek company stores are collecting used tires in a program with Liberty Tire. The company is hoping to expand the program to more independent Trek dealers this year. Last year the program collected 4,082 kilograms (about 9,000 pounds) of tires.
Batteries. Trek said it is updating its e-bike batteries to increase their lifespan and make them easier to recycle. The company also is part of the Call2Recycle e-bike battery recycling program, and has collected nearly 10,000 kilograms (22,000 pounds) of used batteries through the program to date.
Trek's Sustainability Report also highlights ongoing progress in packaging; Trek's used bike program, Red Barn Refresh, and other programs.
