Recycling has been changing the game in the climbing holds sector. Now, ArtLine is marketing recyclable and recycled holds made from Ghold’s injection molding technology.
A Green Sport, but a Dirty Industry
Indoor climbing has its roots in nature, and these origins are reflected in the ecological awareness of even the most urban climbers. Yet despite this passion, climbing holds have primarily been made from thermosetting plastic, which has negative impacts on the environment.
To give you an idea, on average 1 kg of polyurethane holds emits 11.84 kg of C02 throughout its life cycle, according to ArtLine’s calculations. In other words, one hold equals a 30 to 60 mile journey in a gas-driven car. In addition, there is currently no conventional process for disposing of old holds. For the most part, they are thrown in the trash and either buried or incinerated.
“We estimate that 7 million end-of-life holds are thrown away every year,” says Benoit Jacquot-Bertrand, co-founder of Ghold.
Ghold’s Golden Ticket
After several years of research, Ghold has developed a solution for manufacturing recycled, 100% recyclable holds. Their patented innovation combines a highly technical recyclable material with an industrial manufacturing process. Their objective? To become tomorrow’s hold manufacturer for European brands, such as Artline, Entre-Prises, Inspir and others. The first partnerships are already taking shape.
The holds produced with Ghold’s 23-carat raw material can be recycled up to 10 times without any loss of quality; plus, the carbon impact is halved from the first time of recycling. Worn holds are collected, crushed and recycled into new generations of holds—all without affecting the quality of the grain or the durability of the product. Recyclability, made in France, a circular economy…Ghold aims to take its innovation worldwide and make recycling the standard rather than the exception in the climbing holds sector.
Shifting to Sustainable Alternatives
The team at ArtLine has always been concerned about its environmental impact and looking for new technologies to invent the climbing of tomorrow. When the two companies’ paths crossed, ArtLine naturally decided to transfer part of its production to Ghold, starting with their best-seller, the Mercy holds, in smaller sizes (S to L).
Part of the ProLine range, Mercy holds are designed for both commercial and competition setting environments. They are technical holds with subtle grips, sometimes requiring minute foot and hand adjustments to find the optimal position. All sorts of combinations are possible, so setters can give free rein to their creativity.
The holds that Ghold manufactures can be recycled up to 10 times. They can be identified by a logo on the side of the hold. A QR code on the back ensures traceability. Holds are returned by simply scanning the QR code and printing out a free return slip. This system has been up and running since December, so now is the time to get your hands on some recyclable ArtLine holds by Ghold!
Check out the Mercy range manufactured by Ghold here.
This story was paid for by the sponsor and does not necessarily represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
Founded in 2011 by professional routesetter and shaper Brice Anziutti, the idea behind France-based ArtLine is just that: creating art. Designed by and for artists, Anziutti and the ArtLab collective of setters and shapers sculpt cutting-edge holds, macros, volumes and training products that power gyms and inspire setters and climbers around the world. Now marketing recyclable climbing holds manufactured by Ghold.
