At Harlem Kitesurfing, innovation isn't just about crafting the best high-performance gear. It's about transforming the way we create it today to preserve and shape our playgrounds of tomorrow. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be the pioneering partner of Brainchild Production, the most sustainable and innovative kite and wing manufacturing facility in Europe, where our full kite and wing lineup is produced.
With the release of Brainchild's Sustainability Report, let's take a deeper dive into the core principles and practices that make the eco-conscious production truly groundbreaking.
100% Solar-Powered Manufacturing
Brainchild operates entirely free of fossil fuels, relying on a 100kW solar system to power the production facility in North Macedonia. In summer, excess solar energy offsets additional energy needs during winter, while heating and cooling systems are driven by solar-powered heat pumps. This ensures year-round energy efficiency and zero reliance on fossil fuels.
Sustainable Products
Our first collaboration milestone with Brainchild was the introduction of the groundbreaking eco kite bag in 2022. Seen today one every kite and wing in our lineup, it's designed to eliminate unnecessary features and crafted from 97% recycled and recyclable materials, while achieving 24% weight reduction compared to standard kite and wing bags.
Water and Resource Conservation
The use of white materials to build our kites and wings reduces water consumption by a staggering 75% compared to traditional dyeing methods. This practice also minimizes waste, cutting materials surplus by 8%.
Additionally, the innovative digital printing technology uses water-based EcoInk, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional printing methods like screen printing, further reducing the environmental impact.
Prioritizing Local Sourcing
By prioritising European suppliers for raw materials transport distances and carbon emissions are dramatically reduced. Manufacturing our kites and wings in Europe ensures a smaller carbon footprint compared to global production processes often seen in Asia.
A Vision for Long-Lasting Products
Durability and reliability is paramount for our gear. At Brainchild, high-quality materials that ensure longevity are prioritised over recycled components when durability may be compromised. This principle guarantees that Harlem kites and wings perform reliably under extreme conditions, season after season.
Employee Well-Being and Safety
Brainchild extends its commitment to sustainability to its workforce. Employees benefit from climate-controlled environments, ensuring comfortable working conditions even during extreme weather. This focus on employee well-being fosters a safe, efficient and supportive workplace.
Innovating for the Future
Looking ahead, Brainchild plans to establish an in-house recycling station to process plastics from local industries, including automotive leftovers. This innovation will allow for complete control over the quality and origin of materials, ensuring a seamless recycling process.
Our partnership with Brainchild Production reflects a shared commitment to shaping a greener future while delivering top quality high-performance gear for riders around the world. Together, we are proving that innovation and sustainability can - and should - go hand in hand.
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