With take-back services, brands and retailers want to give consumers the good feeling that their used clothing is getting a second life. Sometimes this works, but often the favourite pieces end up in landfills or are incinerated. The answer? Textile-to-Textile (T2T). We explain how it works and who demonstrates it.
At present, many brands are relying on take-back services. The used clothing is usually picked up by partner companies, sorted, resold - or ends up in the rubbish or in the incinerator. This is because a large proportion of the clothing that is currently intended for reuse through take-back systems is not suitable for the second-hand market.
Recycle, reuse, resell, repair - we already know all that. But what about a completely new life? Completely transforming a product at the end of its life cycle into a raw material for a new substance? It's possible! The principle is called Textile-to-Textile (T2T). This would close the cycle of a garment - perhaps the start of the circular economy becoming mainstream.
Award-winning circular innovation companies Spinnova and Renewcell are taking a first step in this direction. They have announced their collaboration on the launch of a technology concept to scale the production of next-generation textile fibres from textile waste. The new fibre production concept combines patented technologies from both companies and takes the circular economy in the fashion and textile industry a step further.
Pioneering a circular economy in the fashion industry, Renewcell recycles cellulose-rich textile waste such as cotton and viscose using a patented process that transforms textile waste into a pulp product called Circulose. This biodegradable raw material is made from 100% recycled textiles and can be used to make new fibres.
"The textile industry is in the midst of a massive shift from a linear business model to a circular economy. The change requires new partnerships and bold, innovative actors*. It was really exciting to learn more about Spinnova's technology. We can't wait to launch the first Circulose collection made with Spinnova's unique fibre spinning technology," says Patrik Lundström, CEO of Renewcell.
Until now, circulose has been used to produce man-made cellulose fibres, such as viscose. With Spinnova's transformative technology, the partners can convert Circulose into a new, bio-based textile fibre that does not require harmful chemicals in the fibre spinning process. This is a remarkable step toward solving the industry's growing textile waste problem, while setting new standards for sustainable textile fibre production.
Spinnova has already made several successful attempts to spin the Circulose pulp into new textile fibres. The first batches of Spinnova fibers made from 100% Circulose have been used to develop yarns and fabrics, and the first prototypes are made from a blend of cotton and Circulose.
The trend toward man-made cellulose fibres in sports is definitely one to keep an eye on.
"The fashion and textile industry needs new solutions and collaboration across the supply chain, which is what makes this partnership so exciting for us. Our goal is to accelerate the fashion industry's transition to a circular economy and explore ways to scale production from textiles to textile fibres", says Ben Selby, deputy CEO of Spinnova. He reports that initial tests combining Renewcell's material and Spinnova's technology have been very promising.
The companies are currently exploring with potential partners ways to scale textile-to-textile fibre production and expect to begin developing the first commercial collection of Circulose fibres soon. Consumers are expected to be able to buy the first products by the end of 2024.
Other brands are also making inroads. The Walmart Foundation has committed $1.2 million to support Goodwill Industries International Inc. and Accelerating Circularity.
Goodwill is a U.S. non-profit that sells donated clothing to support local projects. Because it is a charity, the amount and variety of clothing dropped off is unique compared to other retailers. Viscose, cotton, synthetic fibres, blends - they can all be given a new life with Accelerating Circularity.
Skills, systems and infrastructure will be built at participating Goodwill organizations to turn unsaleable textile donations into recycled materials. This transformation is critical to the circular economy in textiles.
"Goodwill is focused on developing solutions for textiles that are scalable, circular and traceable. We see textile-to-textile recycling as an important pathway for clothing donations that are no longer useful and have reached their end of life," says Brittany Dickinson, director of sustainability at Goodwill Industries International.
Accelerating Circularity's (ACP) mission is to develop new supply chains and business models to turn end-of-life textiles into common raw materials. ACP is a non-profit organization focused on textile-to-textile recycling at commercial scale. To do this, the action-oriented NGO relies on a collaborative approach led by its various stakeholders.
They have the expertise, but in the end it's brands and retailers that need to take charge. That will be done through collaboration, which will also be funded by a grant from the retail sector.
"We want to advance our mission by helping Goodwill turn textiles destined for recycling into higher-value recycled raw materials. We sort to specifications, remove trims and other interfering materials, and collect sufficient quantities to support full commercialization of textile-to-textile systems," says Karla Magruder, president and founder of Accelerating Circularity.
Campervans and motorhomes stand for closeness to nature and freedom. But the vanlife boom, fueled by COVID, is pushing both environment and communities to the breaking point in many places. How can we prevent this trend from becoming a plague? ISPO.com shows you where wild camping is really allowed, which digital helpers all vanlife fans should know, and which regions are really camping-friendly.
Motorhomes are booming - and there's no end in sight. Between April 2020 and March 2021, almost 82,000 motorhomes were newly registered in Germany alone - 43 percent more than in the previous season.
In times of cancelled air travel and strict hygiene regulations in hotel complexes, being alone in untouched nature is all the more enticing. But the vanlife trend, which had already caused record years in the RV industry before COVID, is leaving devastating traces in many places: chemical toilets emptied in the great outdoors or piles of garbage left behind on beaches and fields are rightly upsetting residents and communities. Field paths blocked by wild campers make it difficult for farmers to do their work.
In many places, there is therefore resistance to the annual summer avalanches of cars and their legacies. In mid-June 2021, the South Tyrolean parliament passed a motion against wild camping. In the future, the ban on wild camping in the popular tourist region is to be communicated and controlled more aggressively. Even at popular RV spots in Scotland, "No Overnighting" signs are piling up along the roadside.
But bans alone will not solve the problem for either van fans or tourism regions. After all, according to estimates by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs, communities benefit from the purchasing power of around 50 euros per camper van. And motorhome owners are not helped either by having to deal with blocks at overcrowded campsites and hours of driving around looking for a parking space. Efforts to bring both sides together are therefore more worthwhile.
Travelling in a van not only conveys a feeling of freedom and adventure, but also offers the opportunity to get a bit closer to nature (again). The tourism association of Flims and Laax also knows this. The Swiss emphasize: "Sharing the beauty of our unique natural diversity with our guests and inspiring them in this way is of central importance to us as a tourist destination. However, to ensure that this is preserved for generations to come, we rely on the assistance and personal responsibility of each and every one of us."
In short: the tourism association relies on the awareness of the individual van fan. "Travellers can make a contribution by using designated pitches or campsites for their stay, which are equipped with the necessary infrastructure. In this way, we can offer native animal and plant species the protection they need and preserve the beauty of nature."
In Lower Saxony, too, people are thinking about how to combine the longing for nature with environmental protection. The Managing Director of TourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbH, Meike Zumbrock, says:"More and more people want to explore the unique natural landscapes in Lower Saxony up close. A large proportion of campers behave respectfully while doing so, yet problems are piling up: extra traffic, rubbish, wild camping, danger from campfires or blocked escape routes."
The state's solution: "We need to do more educational work here and offer appealing alternatives to illegal wild camping." Because - and Meike Zumbrock is certain of this: "An overnight stay in a camper can definitely be an alternative to classic hotel accommodation from a sustainability point of view. Significantly less electricity and water consumption, no daily change of towels or shopping in the nearby farm shop speak for a camper trip."
Digital solutions also help you to avoid illegal wild camping and still find beautiful locations and secluded spots for the van away from conventional campsites:
In the far north, the tourism association VisitSweden makes travellers aware of the limits of the Everyman's Right - and offers alternatives: "Sweden is particularly known and popular among van-life holidaymakers because of the Everyman's Right. We always try to make it clear that this does not apply to motorised vehicles. Nevertheless, there are oodles of nature campsites, rest areas and specifically designated sites - some in absolutely untouched nature - that invite you to stay for one and, depending on the location, several nights."
According to "Ferien Graubünden," Switzerland's Graubünden offers temporary pitches: "Due to the high demand for vanlife and camping trips, some destinations in Graubünden are offering temporary pitches in parking lots, meadows and farms for this summer."
The following applies to all wild camping fans: avoid rubbish, take leftovers with you and leave nature as you found it. Or: pack other people's rubbish with you and set a good example.
The Free State of Bavaria is considering a change in the law to make it easier for farmers to offer up to three pitches for campers on their land. And the South Tyrolean state parliament has also proposed solutions that will benefit tourists, in addition to taking a tougher stance against wild campers. For example, a digital guidance system with currently available pitches is to be developed.
In Geo magazine, Guido Sommer, a professor of tourism marketing from Kempten, gives an insight into this digital future of tourism. He is convinced that mobile phones can be a solution to over-tourism. Algorithms and aggregated data could better manage visitor flows in the future and offer alternatives based on personal preferences. For Bavaria, the university in Kempten is developing the "BayernCloud"for this purpose. Similar projects are underway around the world, with a planned start date of summer 2022.
But not only the regions, but also the new generation of motorhome must move. Part of a camping trip is to find out in advance about local regulations on wild camping.
"VisitSweden" also recommends: "As in many other countries, the same applies in Sweden: He who asks, wins. Often namely also an idyllic place on or next to a farm."
The motto "after me, the deluge" is counterproductive: those who leave behind rubbish and smelly chemical sludge not only harm the environment, but also deepen the rifts between residents and visitors. Consideration and personal responsibility are called for here. Only then can Vanlife continue to deliver on the promise of freedom in nature.
As CEO of the e-bike pioneer Riese & Müller, Sandra Wolf is one of the drivers of sustainable mobility. For her, the bicycle is a real alternative to the car, Paris is a role model for the traffic turnaround, and her cargo bike is her favourite vehicle. Here, she reveals how the bicycle is mobilizing a sustainable lifestyle: "Worldwide, our movement is picking up speed."
The climate-induced shift in traffic is giving bicycles a tailwind. This was demonstrated by the presence of the bicycle industry at this year's IAA Mobility in Munich. Strategy expert Sandra Wolf underscored Riese & Müller's position as a premium German brand for e-bikes and cargo bikes to drive solutions for sustainable mobility in the international market. "For us, the agenda is to replace the car," Wolf said in a Spiegel interview ahead of the auto and mobility trade show - a provocative thesis. In her statements for our "Challenges of a CEO" format, the enthusiastic biker takes a stand on the mobility of the future.
Innovation is in the genes of Riese & Müller. We continue to work on the idea that has always driven our founders: How can we improve cycling in such a way that people enjoy doing without their cars? It was and is our aspiration that for every car trip you take after all, you'll think, "I wish I'd taken a bike!" But despite the e-bike boom, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Compared to the car - especially in terms of the distances travelled - a lot still has to happen for the two-wheeler to replace the car over short and medium distances.
In cities like Paris, a new lifestyle is inspiring a shift in transportation. With this bike lifestyle, people are consciously overcoming the car. In everyday life, the bicycle functions as a substitute for the second car or the car in general. This places new demands on the vehicle. Our strategy positions Riese & Müller as a premium product, as a technology driver. Each of our bikes is precisely thought out, sensible and durable, it fulfils its purpose in everyday life comfortably and safely. We will not deviate from this quality standard. On the contrary. We want our riders to use their bikes not only for short trips, but of course for all journeys up to 20 or 30 kilometres and far beyond. And that in all weathers and on all routes.
With their shared passion for cycling and tinkering, Markus Riese and Heiko Müller have decisively advanced the development of the full-suspension bicycle and the e-drive. We come from Germany and define ourselves in the international markets primarily as a high-class technology product. Innovation at our company is constantly ongoing. Benefits are important to us: we seek out technological innovations not for the sake of gadgets, but because they make cycling safer and more enjoyable. Digitalization is a huge driver of innovation. In terms of connectivity, we want our vehicles to communicate with cars and traffic lights. Turning accidents or "dooring", i.e. when inattentive drivers simply open the door, are the worst dangers in the city. Digital collaboration between the various road users could prevent accidents. Unfortunately, we're not there yet, but we're working on it, because we're much more vulnerable on a bike than in a car or on a street car.
I always associate cycling with a focus on climate protection. As a company, we also have to be consistently sustainable. With our production figures of almost 115,000 vehicles per year, we are a major manufacturer that plays an important role among suppliers because we are innovative and actually also develop together. A bicycle consists of 100 to 120 components, so we analyse possible improvements bit by bit with our suppliers in the spirit of the circular economy. Through nearshoring, we benefit from the growing European supplier market, which is developing in Bike Valley around Porto or in Spain, for example. We actually have greater influence here than in Asia. For our new Culture model, we are having the frame, the most material-intensive individual part, made to a large extent from recycled aluminium with significantly better CO2-balance. This is only possible in Europe. For the batteries, we have joined the European recycling system. We need our customers to be aware of this and actually make use of it. And in the case of our accessories, too, we have put the issue of recycling and the carbon footprint at the top of the agenda for all materials in the entire development area right from the start.
In my view, the transport revolution has so far failed because no fundamental overall goal has been formulated. In this respect, I call on policymakers and the manufacturers and suppliers of the various forms of mobility to act more quickly and come up with coordinated solutions. If we want to improve traffic and the quality of life in cities, we have to make it safe and convenient for people who want to ride their bikes. This means that we need a bicycle infrastructure that is reasonably developed and, above all, continuous.
The coalition agreement of the German government was a good signal. Now the budget for bicycle mobility is being slashed. The urgently needed expansion of the infrastructure is suffering as a result. Government subsidies are providing impetus for the switch to e-cars. The 49-euro ticket supports public transportation. But for cargo bikes, for example, there is a patchwork of subsidies. There should be uniform support for young families or companies that want to switch to electric vehicles.
When we talk about bike-friendly urban centres, Amsterdam and Copenhagen are the all-time favourites. They even have heated bike lanes that are easy to ride on even when it's freezing in the winter. That's state of the art. But I'm now seeing a change in thinking in many other major cities as well. Interestingly, we're seeing this in countries where we tend to think there's more of an affinity for cars. Paris and Barcelona are doing a great job of it. In the U.S., the major metropolitan areas on the West Coast are showing it, as well as Washington or New York with beautiful bike paths along the Hudson River. I was in Portland last year on business and only biked - and maybe just 50 meters without a perfect bike lane. In Germany, I find Hamburg exemplary with its progress, and Frankfurt is also developing - unlike Berlin. When pop-up bike lanes are cut back, it's a shame.
Clearly, changes in cities are creating a distribution battle for limited street space. This upheaval also hurts. But it's about improving people's quality of life. So we as a society have to make decisions about how to redistribute space for pedestrians, cyclists and cars. And that may have to be radical at times. Paris shows how such a transformation can take place. They do it prototypically. There, decisions are made very consistently. Car lanes are now used for micromobility. Now urban society is beginning to discuss the issue. It will develop from this unrest and ultimately lead to a good restructuring. For me, Paris is a real role model for this process.
We are not running out of development topics in the bicycle industry. I see the jobs for young engineers as being on a par with those in the automotive industry. We are working on the digitalization of tomorrow's mobility, on frames, drives and chassis - of course, all on a somewhat smaller scale. To be able to drive at high speeds and on bad roads, for example, you need a perfectly tuned suspension. For maximum safety when braking, ABS and brake lights are a hot topic. On longer routes in the dark, low and high beams are convenient. In winter, the heated saddle is practical. Safety and weather protection for children in cargo bikes are also a big topic.
I am always thrilled when I sense the passion with which our 900 employees from 58 nations live the subject of bicycles. This is anchored in our corporate culture. Many of them come to work every day on their job bikes as a matter of course. Our guests are always amazed when they see our car park, where hundreds of bikes are parked. For me and my family, too, it's hard to imagine everyday life without a bicycle. I drive extremely little, mainly when I have to travel in a rural region where it's too far for a bike and not practical with public transport. I just like to bike. So I'm happy that I can test ride new products or components more often and give our developers feedback. But my favourite product is and remains my full-suspension cargo bike. People often ask me: Why are you still riding a cargo bike when your children are already grown up? But with a car, no one asks why it has a boot. The cargo bike is totally practical, I always have something to transport. At the same time, I can ride it really fast and at the same time I feel incredibly safe. It doesn't get any better than that!
Just as SUVs are very popular in cars, our wheels with thicker tires and sturdy frames are also very well received in the market. They exude safety, comfort and suitability for all routes. However, while an SUV car takes up almost twice the traffic space of a small car, the SUV bike remains compact and suitable for city use. We also differentiate for different target groups. One important trend is slim, lightweight bikes for the young, sporty and urban lifestyle - where you can hardly tell it's an e-bike. And among cargo bikes, long tails have become popular as an alternative to the relatively large long johns with the loading area in front of the riders. They are hardly bigger than a normal bike. On the somewhat longer, stable rear end, however, I can transport up to two children or some loads safely and comfortably.
(Micro)adventures yes, but sustainable please? One key area here is mobility. We talked to Kate, maker of a lightweight mobile, about how the brand sees the mobility of the future, how it is making transport greener, and how micromobility and the outdoors are connected.
Transport is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in France, of which the main share is again attributable to individual mobility. The European Environment Agency estimates that electric vehicles will account for 23% of all new car registrations in 2022. In addition, the share of energy from renewable sources used for transport in the EU increased from less than 2% in 2005 to 10.2% in 2021.
In mobility, the trend is towards decarbonization of products and their production chains. And consumers* are also changing their consumption behaviour, especially for the love of the outdoor lifestyle. No wonder, microadventures are becoming more popular - the answer is efficient and lightweight transportation. We introduce the light vehicle manufacturer Kate and its vision for the future.
With the Green Deal, the European Union is calling for a 90% reduction in emissions by 2050 and 30 million zero-emission cars by 2030. Through a smart, local, safe and accessible transportation system, brands like Kate™ are committed to this goal. E-mobility for public and private transport is at the forefront of available additional features, such as energy management and entertainment. There are more and more solutions to get around close to home. Drivers in 2030 will use a modern, adaptable, quiet and very flexible means of transportation. If developed and used properly, sustainable mobility will take us far.
With a range of 150 km and LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery technology, the Kate brand offers 5,000 battery cycles performance in its vehicles. We spoke with Michaela Garito, marketing and brand manager at Kate Tech, on the topic of micromobility and their new product, an adventure electric car.
"In 2023, everyday mobility (trips of less than 80 km) accounts for 98% of French people's trips and relies on cars for 84%. These short trips cause 11% of greenhouse gases from private transport. Based on this, Kate wants to accelerate the sustainable transition to a mode of transport that meets users' expectations and is environmentally friendly. Kate sees the car of the future - the car for daily trips - as light, clean, economical and safe. We believe that large SUVs, whether internal combustion engine or electric, will not be the future of daily mobility. We offer a micromobility solution that fits harmoniously into urban and rural traffic flows and respects the space and speed of individual road users*."
"The car of tomorrow will ensure the decarbonization of the automotive industry. But its success will be ensured by the fact that it will be cheaper to produce, use and maintain than a conventional car." - Matthias Goldenberg, CEO and co-founder of Kate
"Kate was founded in 2022 by Thibaud Elzière, Matthias Goldenberg and Pierre Escrieut. The brand is part of a decisive turnaround in daily mobility - with a vision to create lightweight electric vehicles made in France that meet today's challenges in terms of sustainability and responsibility. The name "Kate" comes from "Kei Car" (Japanese: 軽自動車), which refers to the microcars originally developed in Japan in the 1950s. These microcars make up a large portion of the cars registered in Japan and are popular for their convenience and affordability. Kate envisions everyday mobility based on lightweight vehicles that are suitable for short trips. This accounts for a large portion of trips in France. These vehicles are designed to be environmentally friendly and meet the needs of users."
"One of Kate's first major actions was to acquire NOSMOKE™. This is a French manufacturer of compact SUVs from the 1960s that have converted to electric propulsion. NOSMOKE was founded in 2012, and Kate bought the company to acquire its industrial know-how and benefit from its income line. In our environment, manufacturing cars in France in our own factory is a strong statement. It ensures local production, jobs in the region and control over the value chain. It is a way to guarantee quality, reduce the CO₂ footprint of transporting goods, and support the local economy. For us, this is not an adventure, but a conviction. If we want to act more responsibly, we need to focus on the national or even European level, controlling our value chain while pushing our principles for responsible production. We believe in responsible production: we only produce what is already sold. Through this pre-order approach, we eliminate the risk of overstocking."
"With our know-how and French expertise, we follow the philosophy: 'Think global, act local'."
"At Kate, our vision of mobility is very much influenced by the current numbers. The majority of vehicles sold today are oversized compared to these needs. It is this finding that reinforces our belief that it is critical to rethink mobility. We have a critical role to play in this transition. We aspire to a world where our ultralight cars, such as the K1 model planned for late 2024, fit naturally into the dynamics of cities and rural areas, both in the present and in the future. We are convinced that by combining lightness, efficiency and innovative design, we will meet the real needs of everyday mobility. Beyond our vision, it is crucial that we join forces with other key players in the industry. That's why I was particularly pleased to participate in IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich. Ten industry leaders*, including high-level managers* and visionary company founders*, all of whom are founding members of the Microcar Coalition, came together. The mood was contagious and it was characterized by our shared commitment. Our unanimous goal? To work together to make electric microcars the first choice for sustainable mobility, in both urban and rural areas."
"With the collective power of the Microcar Coalition and our determination, we want to redefine mobility, not just for today, but more importantly, for tomorrow."
"The biggest appeal of our Kate Original model is its openness to the outside, embodying an outdoor lifestyle and reminiscent of a beach car. Our customers are looking for an experience similar to that of a convertible: feeling the wind in their hair and being in tune with their surroundings. Kate's ease of use, free of unnecessary gimmicks, reinforces this authentic and enjoyable experience. It's a real return to the roots, an invitation to merge with the environment while having fun and just being."
The challenges facing mass transit are many. Technically, the first is to reduce the vulnerability of transport, which is heavily dependent on hydrocarbons. Air pollution must be reduced - here, decarbonization or the zero-zero target for 2030 contribute to achieving goals defined by science. In the transport sector, most EU countries are approaching the 10% target for the share of energy from renewable sources. Sweden leads the way with almost 35%, while Germany and France reach almost 10%. It is also about increasing the comfort of short-distance travel for both users and residents. And finally, it's about making micro-adventures possible in the long term through lightweight and flexible vehicles. With its modern retro charm and the ability to customize it to the owner's personality, the Kate Original has already attracted high-end fashion brands such as Gucci and Isabel Marant. Voited ™ is the first outdoor brand to use the Kate Original for an advertising campaign tailored to its target group.
Traveling to white mountain worlds with a green conscience - is that even possible? The fact is that in order to reduce the carbon footprint in winter sports, something has to change, especially when it comes to travel. ISPO.com explains how it's possible without a car and what local communities have to offer.
The crunch of fresh snow under the boards, the crystal clear mountain air in your face, the sublime feeling of making perfect turns on a still untouched slope - for many of us, skiing and snowboarding is still the greatest thing imaginable.
But how much longer can we look forward to enjoyable descents against a picturesque winter backdrop? The effects of climate change are already clearly noticeable in the mountains. Winter sports seasons are getting shorter, the snow line is rising. The Alps are particularly affected. A collective study led by the Italian research institute Eurac Research has come to an alarming conclusion. According to the study, snow days in the entire Alpine region have decreased noticeably over the past 50 years, by ten to 35 percent in winter and even more in spring.
Winter sports tourism is in a tricky situation. On the one hand, it is suffering from climate change and ski communities have to come up with a lot of ideas to offer their guests a rewarding winter experience. On the other hand, often energy-intensive winter sports tourism with corresponding CO₂ emissions is fueling the dramatic development even more.
Is geoengineering the solution for ski tourism?
Opinions differ on the question of how damaging winter sports actually are for the environment. Critics complain that ski slopes, lifts, water reservoirs and parking lots take up huge areas of land and destroy the environment. Especially since some ski areas are still growing. In addition, snow cannons consume vast amounts of energy and water - not to mention the noise they generate. The energy used in the ski area is green in many places, however, and often comes from the resort's own photovoltaic or hydropower plants, say skiing advocates. And the water from the reservoirs flows back into nature as the snow melts. In addition, a snow cover - also artificially produced - offers protection from steel edges and frost, from water and wind.
The arguments of both sides cannot be completely dismissed. With regard to climate-damaging CO2 emissions, however, they are only secondary, because skiing as an activity plays a subordinate role here. By far the biggest environmental sin in winter sports is the journey to and from the slopes - especially if you travel to the slopes by car or even fly.
Ski communities have long since recognized that there is a need for optimization when it comes to travel. They are now making greater efforts to identify options with which guests can save emissions on the way to their vacation.
One approach to reducing CO2 emissions is electromobility - although e-cars sometimes don't enjoy a good reputation in winter; after all, their range decreases at low temperatures. Nevertheless, modern vehicles can cover decent distances. If you switch to eco mode - if available - and don't set the heating to sauna, you can cover even more kilometers.
A few years ago, the municipality of Lech, together with BMW and Vorarlberger Kraftwerke AG, built the "Green Garage" on the Arlberg. The parking spaces there are equipped with an e-charging infrastructure and offer cars a warm shelter. In winter, when cold slows down the charging process, this is particularly valuable. The Vorarlbergers also have e-mobility in mind when it comes to public transport. In winter 2019/20, the test started with an electric bus from the well-known "blue fleet" between Lech and Zürs and has already transported one million visitors* since then.
Those responsible at the Wilder Kaiser have also created an incentive to travel by e-car. There are two charging stations in the parking deck of the Scheffau mountain railroad, which can only be used with a valid mountain railroad ticket and are then free of charge. Guests simply pick up the necessary access code at the ticket office.
Even if your own car does not have an electric drive, there is potential for CO2 savings when traveling to the ski area. The more people who share a vehicle, the better for the bottom line. Resorts in North America are therefore encouraging the ski community to form carpools.
Sundance Mountain Resort in the US state of Utah has always been a pioneer in sustainability. Its former owner, movie star Robert Redford, was passionate about preserving the wonderful mountain environment. The purists among the ski and snowboard fans are happy about this. If they want to go powdering on weekends, they should opt for carpools if possible. With four passengers or more per car, parking remains free of charge.
A different approach was taken last season in the nearby Alta Ski Area and Snowbird. There, those who rolled into the parking lot on weekends or holidays with four or more people in the car were entered into a prize draw.
In some Alpine towns in Switzerland, even the best carpool won't get you far. Zermatt, for example, is completely car-free. The same applies to Saas-Fee, where the end of the line for cars is at the village entrance at the latest. The vehicle spends the vacation either in the parking garage with 1,800 spaces or outside. Some hotels organize shuttle services with electric cabs that take guests from the parking lot to the front door. Those who prefer to rely on muscle power instead of electric drive can borrow a handcart from the tourist office and pull the luggage to the front door of the respective accommodation.
If it's up to those responsible for the Bödele family ski area in Austria, snow lovers should do without their cars altogether. Under the motto "Bödele macht mobil" (Bödele makes mobile), they want to encourage travel by bus. Those who show their valid bus ticket at the ticket office will receive a discount when buying their ski pass. If you are traveling with a ski pass and ski equipment, the bus ride up to Bödele is also free of charge.
In general, discounts seem to be an effective means of making low-emission travel more palatable to winter sports fans. Morzine in France, for example, offers the AlpinExpress Pass. To benefit from its advantages, travelers must submit proof of purchase of a train ticket and their travel data. In return, they receive a personal certificate. On presentation of the document, there are discounts at local partner businesses, for example when purchasing ski tickets or renting equipment. Some restaurants are also part of the partner network.
In Japan, even the train journey to ski destinations such as the Hakuba Valley with its nine areas is an experience in itself. At least if you take the ultra-fast Shinkansen. The bullet trains with the iconic nose race from Tokyo or Osako to Nagano station, for example. There, you change to the bus to Hakuba, which runs almost hourly. Private transfers are also available.
However, a good train connection to the vacation destination alone is usually not enough to get ski and snowboard enthusiasts off the road and onto the rails. After all, they should not suffer any disadvantage when they arrive on site because they do not have to use their cars. The "Alpine Pearls," an association of resorts in Germany, Austria, Italy and Slovenia, are well aware of this. The Alpine communities are committed to nature-friendly vacations and give their visitors a mobility guarantee for the duration of their stay. The services include train station shuttles, call buses, rental bikes - or even horse-drawn carriages. Accommodations, lifts, stores and sights are thus only a short ride away.
"Local mobility is one of the key barriers for many people," says Khaled El-Hussein, head of marketing for Austria and Italy at DB Fernverkehr AG, with regard to rail travel. However, he adds, there are already numerous positive examples in the Alpine region and the low mountain ranges - be it in Tyrol, the Salzburg region, Carinthia, South Tyrol, Thuringia or the Allgäu.
Or in the Italian vacation region of Trentino. "The mobility services there are top-notch and easy to use," says El-Hussein. "With the free Trentino Guest Card as an app, guests can use public transportation throughout Trentino immediately after arriving by long-distance train." This applies to all regional rail and bus services whose departure and destination are in Trentino. However, only a small number of potential guests are aware of this offer.
Yet a growing number of travelers are generally willing to take the train on vacation. El-Hussein refers to a study conducted by Deutsche Bahn in the pre-Corona phase. At that time, just under 40 percent of those surveyed said they would be willing to do without a car for their winter vacation trip to the Alps if better local mobility were available. "However, just under 70 percent of those surveyed did not hear any active impetus from tourism for an alternative and climate-friendly form of travel. Yet there are now many excellent offers for mobility in ski communities." But these also need to be showcased, explains El-Hussein.
Deutsche Bahn has created such a "showcase" together with the winter sports initiative "Dein Winter. Your sport." with the information platform WinterRail has launched such a "showcase. "With this, we map a selection of many destinations that are easily accessible by rail," says El-Hussein. There are currently just under 100 German and European winter sports destinations. "We also show what mobility offers are available locally." Anyone wishing to be present at WinterRail must be able to guarantee their guests a certain level of mobility.
However, the platform is not limited to locomotion alone, but takes a holistic approach. "In winter sports, it is the transport of ski equipment that causes concern," El-Hussein says. "That's why we emphasize that there is perfect equipment for rent on site." A cooperation with INTERSPORTRENT also brings rail travelers a discount on rental equipment.
The aim of WinterRail is to reduce fears through information and to provide impetus for the choice of rail, says El-Hussein. Overall, the platform is already well received. But awareness should continue to grow. "Our concern is not to proselytize winter vacationers*. But we want to convince those who are already considering a climate-friendly journey. And we believe that our offer comes just at the right time."
Especially in view of the fact that many winter sports communities are gearing their infrastructure towards a car-free stay for their guests. It has probably never been so easy to travel to white mountain worlds with a green conscience.