Sustainability Spotlight | Rossignol

What does sustainability mean to Rossignol? 

Since 1907, our history has been intimately linked to the mountains; a uniquely beautiful environment that everyone knows is under serious threat. We need to act now, and act radically, if we want to limit global warming to 1.5 °C. Published on 4 April 2022, the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) leaves no doubt. According to its experts, we need to transform our societies to consume less energy and resources. And to achieve such restraint, we need to change certain practices.

With the effects of climate change already impacting our lifestyles, we’ve spent years seeking to provide answers to current social challenges; namely how we can maintain a business model that supports our brands and employees, while minimising our environmental impact, and thus contributing to a sustainable future.

For years, the Rossignol Group has been implementing actions aimed at limiting the impact of our activity on nature. This is a proactive philosophy, and although it is certainly incomplete and imperfect, we hope to propose a progressive and beneficial approach as quickly possible by sharing a common vision of sustainable development with the various brands and sites that make up our group.

What are the main challenges? 

Today, in a global context, in the face of strong inflationary challenges in accessing raw materials and the general complexity of the supply chain, we as an industry can’t pretend it’s business as usual. Deep changes in our behaviour and practices are happening and we need to act together in collaboration with all stakeholders. Suppliers, manufacturers, ski resorts, retailers… we all have to define the next ‘normal’ for our industry. Luckily, everyone is ready to embrace this movement. If not now then when; and if not us then who?

Essential is more than a product; it’s a movement

What initiatives are you putting in place to adapt and deal with these challenges? 

Rossignol is committed to implementing concrete actions to respect the mountain environment. Now, 100% of our sites are ISO 14001 certified; we’ve used PEFC certified wood since 2019 (and 50% of our range is now PEFC certified); 100% of our production uses renewable certified green energy; and on a product level we are proud to introduce the
Essential ski. Launched in December 2022, this ski uses 73% recycled and biosourced materials and is 77% recyclable, which is around 10 times more than a conventional ski. 

Essential, it is more than a product: it is a movement. 

In order to contribute to the circular economy we also have our ‘2nd life initiative’ to upcycle non-skiable/non-conforming products into a variety of wonderful products. Examples include mud guards for bikes, bedside lamps, etc.

Added to this, because we believe the challenge is collective and so important, we decided to make the tech file for Essential open source to all brands in mid-November 2022.

How do you measure progress?

By using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) on every product and, importantly, on new developments. This helps us understand where to focus to allow us to act on lowering our impact, while never sacrificing on performance or quality.

How important is it to work with athletes and ambassadors who are committed to promoting sustainability?

We support, with our athletes, several foundations, such as POW. We’re working with our athletes on the best way to communicate a message of sustainability and inclusivity.

Where does Rossignol hope to be in five years’ time?

We hope 30% of our range will be made in the same spirit of recyclability and eco conscious design. We also hope to reduce industrial waste by 40% by 2025, and reduce our carbon footprint by 30% by 2030.