“RECYCLE AND REUSE,” VELO COMMITS TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The rapid and severe implications of global warming have prompted the EU and the US to develop guidelines for carbon emissions and tariffs. As a part of the global economy, the bicycle industry is bound by these regulations. Recognizing the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, Stella Yu, the founder of Velo, has embraced cycling and advocated for sustainable practices.

Adhering to industry standards such as REACH, ISO, CPSIA, JIS, and GB (China), as well as international carbon footprint and carbon emissions regulations such as ISO 14067 and ISO 14064-1, Velo is commited to minimize the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes. “We are not only fulfilling the minimum standards in reducing carbon emissions but want to prepare a better world for our next generation! Similarly, our commitment to a sustainable environment is the key to connecting with our clients and when they choose Velo, they are also contributing to a better future!” Stella emphasizes that Velo upholds the strictest standards in quality control and ESG practices. Through innovative recycling techniques, Velo minimizes waste and produces top-tier sustainable products.

Currently, Velo's primary focus is on the implementation of ISO 14067 and ISO 140641. With regard to energy conservation, Velo has adopted a new system equipped with smart meters in 2023 to monitor electric consumption and carbon emissions. Furthermore, the solar energy panels that Velo installed on its factory rooftops in Taiwan are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 216,798 Kg CO2/KWH annually. Over the years, Velo has acquired HEVs, electric forklifts, and electric trailers which have significantly reduced CO2 emissions in the production process. In addition to monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, all Velo products comply with major international regulations to promote a safer environment.

For example, all Velo products are REACH and ROSE certified. Velo's children's saddles and grips are certified with EN ISO8098, while the adult versions are certified with ISO4210 and ISO8098.

At Velo, our top priorities in production are recycling and reusing. We source materials with PCR or GRS certifications to reduce the usage of petrochemical raw materials, ultimately minimizing pollution and carbon emissions. Our production lines have a system in place to recycle over 50% of waste into our saddles and grips, under a reasonable cost structure and without compromising on the quality we are proud of.

Simultaneously, we are focusing on bikes with diverse functionalities. Cargo bikes, for instance, are an excellent option with a low carbon footprint for individuals who need to transport goods and carry children. “Every step we take, from teambuilding to detailed communication, and thorough implementation, we work together toward a sustainable future by making cycling parts from cradle to grave, ” says Ann, VP of Velo. As we face the challenge of global climate change, we are all in this together. The Taiwanese bicycle industry has been successfully collaborating for some time now. At Velo, we understand that teamwork is essential to achieve our goals of sustainability. Making changes alone or within one company can be difficult, but if the entire industry can work together, it is possible to gain a significant voice in sustainability standards.

Bas In Taiwan Aims To Reduce 40 Kg Of Carbon Emissions With Each Bicycle

In addition to the A-team, Taiwanese bicycle industry formed the Bicycle Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) to collaborate for a sustainable future. All members will inventory greenhouse gas emissions within 2 years, and reduce at least 3% annually. The ultimate goal is that each bicycle will reduce 40 Kg or 25% of carbon emissions by 2030. As a council member of the BAS, Ann explains that cycling is the greenest activity one can do because it does not emit any carbon at all. But how can we make the production process as green as cycling? Net-zero carbon emissions had been a global issue for years. As a member of the BAS, Velo will keep seeking professional consulting teams to improve the production process and reach the goals along with all BAS members.

Internationally, BAS organized a summit that brought together globally recognized companies such as TREK, SCOTT, SHIMANO, SRAM and others to share their visions and brainstorm innovative ideas for a sustainable future. For example, how can we collaborate with international members of the bicycle industry and fight for EU’s “bicycle carbon tariff” or “carbonreducing cycling passports” to encourage people to cycle by offering coupons with each ride?

Ann concludes that meaningful dialogue with BAS members at the summit was very fruitful. “I heard several innovative out-of-the-box ideas. Listening to the ESG-implemented projects of other companies, I learned from their experiences that gave me a better blueprint and save me time at Velo. For example, I learned to make colleagues feel proud to cut down carbon emissions is the key to raising consensus.” The global pandemic has had a significant impact on multiple industries, but it has also led to a resurgence of interest in cycling among many people. How far can one cycle? Much farther than one might think! In the Arctic Circle, there are people cycling and enjoying beautiful scenery which might not last long. The Arctic Circle is enduring the harsh impacts of climate change and global warming more severely than any other place in the world. Let us attentively listen to the voice of Mother Nature and learn from the Arctic Circle's tragic experience of climate change. Despite suffering from the harshest impacts of global warming, the region is still being exploited by humans. It is our responsibility to take action and show compassion towards Gaia, our planet. If we all work together towards sustainability, we can create a brighter future.