Since September 2019, all polyethylene boards produced by Pride Bodyboards, representing 30% of our annual production, are made from recycled polyethylene planks. These planks are certified to contain a minimum of 63% recycled material.
Pride Bodyboards is the first company ever to use recycled PE planks.
Having 63% recycled content allows us to guarantee the same quality in the final product as virgin PE planks while making a real impact on the environment.
How much?
These boards will be sold at the same price as virgin PE boards to our consumers. To demonstrate our commitment, we've decided to absorb the extra costs related to the production of these boards. Additional costs are incurred both in the purchase of the planks and during the manufacturing process.
With an average of 2000 PE boards produced annually, each with a core weighing about 1.5 kilograms, we will save an average of 2 tons of raw polyethylene every year.
How?
Recycled polyethylene has become more accessible over the years due to a shortage in raw materials. Nevertheless, we had to purchase our own stock of planks to proceed, given the high Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) suppliers in this industry (PE planks are used worldwide by insulation giant companies) usually have. This represents a significant investment from the brand towards the future. We also had to adapt the lamination process to new temperatures and durations. After a year of research and development, the first boards were ready to be sold to the end consumer.