Ski Press World Inc. - Index

Ski Press World Inc. - SIA Day 3 - Index

pure snow
Helly Hansen has quietly introduced one of the show’s most profound changes in green
technical-performance apparel. For fall 08, the brand’s line of performance shells will be
fl urocarbon-free and PTFE-free, featuring an eco-friendly durable water repellant (DWR) and
a vegetable-based PU membrane.
That may not sound like much, but it means that recyclable, high-performance waterproof/
breathable apparel can be produced without relying on petroleum products.
“This innovation came about through the work of a small research project,” says Dag Evan
Tresselt, Helly Hansen product manager in Norway. “We went back to the basics to try to fi nd
a material that would lessen our environmental impact. When we saw how well it worked, we
decided to implement it throughout the line.”
Almost all DWRs, which repel moisture from a jacket, use fl urocarbons. And most waterproof/
breathable membranes use polytetrafl uoroethene (PTFE), essentially a form of stretched Tefl on,
and the solvent perfl uorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to create incredibly effective membranes that
will wick perspiration while keeping out precipitation. The downsides are that PTFE is not
recyclable, and potentially harmful PFOA won’t break down in the environment. But jackets
made without them just don’t work all that well.
Until now. Helly’s membrane is rated a respectable 15,000/15,000 for waterproofi ng and
breathability and is quite durable. It’s not Gore Pro shell, but it works.
Helly’s Ekolab jacket represents the best of the company’s sustainability push. It features the
new DWR and membrane as well as eco-friendly dyes, minimal design, recycled hardwear, a
low transport and production footprint and a competitive price point.
And Helly wants to encourage more manufacturers to follow its lead.
“It’s just a small start. I’m humble about it,” says Tresselt. “Manufacturers need to share and collaborate
when it comes to creating better ecological products. They should not be secrets.”
— DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN
�������
���������
�����������
���������
With over 2000 shops insured, we have the experience to understand your needs. Coverages include:
� ������� ���� ��� ������ ���������
� �������� �������� ������� ������
� ������� �������� �������
����������������������������������
����������������������������������������
������������������������
������������
� ������� �������� ��������
� ���������� ������� ��� �����������
� ���������� ���� ��� ���� ����
Photography provided by Scott Cramer/www.alpineadventureimages.com.
Bosse Langaas, Helly Hansen
View the XRAY —
Under Natural Light
Ann Case makes a high-end shade. Her XRay sunglasses use top-of-the-line
materials: Italian acetates and CR39 lenses. XRay is a small, boutique fi rm, and
now it’s going green in a small, boutique way.
Instead of showing off its wares in fl uorescent-lit
cases, Ann Case is using clear acrylic cases with
translucent tops. “That way, you save money and
save energy at the same time,” she says.
— JULES OLDER
Anne Case and Teresa Löberg, XRay
Eco Ship
CLEANS UP THE INDUSTRY
FROM OUTSIDE IN
Greg Pronko and Mike O’Reilly got sick of shipping
snowboards and displays in oversized boxes stuffed
with landfi ll-clogging Styrofoam peanuts. The bloated
shipping costs bothered the founders of Glissade Snowboards
and Bender Brothers almost as much as the
destructive environmental effects. Their newest venture,
Eco Ship, provides sustainable shipping supplies
like biodegradable, corn-based polymer bags, foam and
boxes. “These are the biggest materials in the garbage,”
explains Pronko, “so we reached for the lowest-hanging
fruit.” Pronko, who is also talking with Amazon, is
working toward an exclusive partnership with SIA with
discounted industry prices.
Preview Eco Ship’s lower-volume ski and snowboard
shipping bags at the Eco Source or the Glissade booth.
“Right now, the bio materials are too expensive,” Pronko
says, “but there will be a tipping point and we hope to
be there when it tips.” — SUSAN SCHNIER
VOLVO — OFFICIAL CAR OF