Bontrager Release Grips Made with Used Fishing Nets
Photo: Bontrager
The new XR Trail Grips from Bontrager uses a new core made in collaboration with Plastix, a recycling company that captures plastic waste that would otherwise end up being discarded.
Plastix's main source of plastic is fishing nets and ropes which normally end up either in the ocean or in a landfill. In 2018 the UN Environment Programme estimated that between 600,000–800,000 metric tonnes of fishing waste enter the world's oceans every year with each item taking up to 600 years to break down.
Once Plastix has collected the plastic waste they then sort, shred, wash, separate and then dry the material before creating green plastic pellets that can be used to manufacture products.
 | A grip core is a small thing, but small things can add up to something meaningful. We believe in Plastix' vision for a circular economy for plastic, where this material is never considered waste, and we're excited to partner with them on this essential step. |
This latest range of products is not a first for the bike industry as more and more companies are looking at different ways to create their products using alternative materials. Bontrager already makes their Bat Cage from fishing nets and Giro have a range of clothing that uses recycled nylon, polyester and elastane from fishing nets and ocean waste.
Photo: Bontrager
The XR Trail Grip can be found in three different models. The first is the XR Trail Pro, this option is a dual lock-on grip with a wider 32mm diameter and it features the CoreLock design for more secure positioning.
Next up is the XR Trail Elite, it uses a 31mm diameter and an alloy CoreLock design with higher density endcaps to resist scraping. The final model is the XR Trail Comp which uses just a single nylon CoreLock design to offer a cheaper option in the range of grips.
You can find out more here.
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If he doesn't eat fish. Then he's not contributing to a one of the big causes.
What about recycling these Bontrager? Or the Plastix company? Seems like grips would make pretty good grips
But meh! I'm now ready to go do some crazy DH, taking lifts and riding DH tracks! (these same lift that have been built by bulldozers and that have destroyed a lot of mountains...
Not to speak about my bike...
Please STOP this ecology-marketing bullshit...
I assume 100% that I am not doing an eco-friendly sport... that doesn't mean I do not take care of the environment in many ways... but bike is certainly one of the worst thing i do on this topic...
I appreciate and support any and all "Real " recycling efforts big and small we need them all.
A better way of saying, "every little bit helps" is, "if we all do a little, we will achieve a little."
Of course it doesn't. That would take a complete industry and consumer shift, which no one company can direct. Should they therefore not try at all? If you're an ethically-minded consumer in need of new grips, don't you appreciate the choice to be able to use a recycled option? It's not perfect, but it's better than doing nothing; and the more people take notice of pilot projects like this – and the more other manufacturers see consumers voting with their feet and buying the most sustainable alternatives – the more conscious the industry as a whole will become.
If you care about this stuff, then you should support these sorts of initiatives, not complain about their imperfections.