Vattenfall, Gjenkraft, and EVI have joined forces in an innovative project to create high-performance skis using discarded wind turbine blades, showcasing the potential of circular economy principles within the sports industry.
The initiative, which emphasizes sustainability, aims to highlight the benefits of recycling and reducing waste while introducing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional ski materials. As part of the collaboration, Vattenfall has placed an order for 15 pairs of skis, including alpine, carving, and race skis, all reinforced with carbon extracted from the blades of decommissioned wind turbines.
Visitors to the World Cup Women’s Slalom event in Åre, Sweden, on March 8 and 9 will have the opportunity to test these sustainable skis firsthand. A ski test station will be set up next to the racetrack, allowing athletes and enthusiasts to experience this novel approach to ski manufacturing.
“Circularity is essential to securing future resource needs, reducing costs, and achieving our sustainability targets,” said Gustav Frid, Environment & Sustainability Specialist at Vattenfall. “By moving from a linear take-make-waste economy to a circular economy, we can close the loop and use materials again through recycling. This project perfectly illustrates how technology provides a sustainable alternative to traditional ski-making materials. We hope it will inspire others and foster new ideas for accelerating circularity.”
The project not only demonstrates the possibilities of repurposing industrial waste but also offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable manufacturing practices in the sports sector.
