The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) is proud to announce the publication of three new factsheets detailing the progress and impact of the Recycle Your Boots (RYB) project. Led by Tecnica Group and supported by the European Commission’s LIFE Programme, this pioneering initiative is setting a new standard for sustainability in the ski industry by creating a circular economy for ski boots.
Addressing a Major Waste Challenge
Every year, 3 million ski boots are produced, with most sales occurring in Europe. After around 150 days of use, these boots contribute to 10,000 tons of waste, the majority of which is plastic that often ends up in landfills or incinerators. To tackle this challenge, Tecnica Group launched Recycle Your Boots in 2021, working with industry partners to develop a comprehensive take-back and recycling system.
Key highlights from the project
The newly published factsheets offer in-depth insights into the RYB project’s achievements, challenges, and future direction. Here are some of the key takeaways:
1. Impressive recycling achievements
Since its launch, the project has collected and recycled over 28,000 pairs of ski boots, preventing an estimated 330 tons of CO₂ emissions. By recovering 85% of materials—including plastics, metals, and foams—the initiative demonstrates the feasibility of high-quality recycling for composite sports equipment.
2. Turning waste into new products
- Recycled plastics (PP & TPU) are now used in new ski boots, ski components, and even Moon Boot shoes.
- Metal components are processed using pyrolysis and remelted for new applications.
- Ski boot liners are repurposed into protective ski slope mattresses, already in use at World Cup ski events.
3. The role of digital innovation
The Recycling Digital Passport (RDP) system now ensures better sorting and material recovery. Ski boots from Nordica and Tecnica come with a QR code, allowing recyclers to access detailed material information, improving recycling efficiency and reducing reliance on virgin plastics.
4. Expanding the circular economy
The factsheets also explore how the RYB model can be replicated across the broader outdoor sporting goods industry. Findings from a recent study show that while eco-design efforts are increasing, post-consumer recycling remains limited due to economic and logistical challenges. The study highlights the need for collaborative recycling systems, shared take-back schemes, and district-level recycling hubs to drive real change.
5. A model for the future of the sporting goods industry
The Recycle Your Boots initiative serves as a benchmark for circular economy innovation in the sporting goods sector. The European Green Deal encourages companies to integrate circularity into their production processes, and RYB is proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, the project aims to:
- Scale up recycling efforts by engaging more brands and retailers.
- Refine product eco-design to make boots easier to disassemble and recycle.
- Expand recycling solutions beyond ski boots to include motorcycle boots, helmets, and other hard sporting goods.
Join the movement!
FESI invites industry leaders, policymakers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts to explore the factsheets and learn how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
📌 Find out more at: https://life-ryb.eu/en
