DECATHLON launch the first recycled and recyclable bodyboard made from ARPRO

With a view to improve the components and manufacturing process of their beginner board, DECATHLON selected ARPRO 35 Ocean expanded polypropylene (EPP) as it contains 15% maritime industry waste and is a more sustainable material.

The shape of the bodyboard has been redesigned and inspired by classic bodyboards to make it more suitable for the beginner. This new short shape makes it easier for everyone to catch waves, ensures a better position on the board during the ride and a good ergonomic grip thanks to the handles. This versatile beginner bodyboard is suitable for the whole family from (15 to 85kg), is 39% stronger than its non-recycled predecessor and provides great stability.

ARPRO 35 Ocean’s physical properties and performance are the same as standard ARPRO but as a result of the 15% recycled content from fishing ropes and nets, the production process generates 7% less CO₂ emissions. ARPRO 35 Ocean is 100% recyclable and has a very high strength-to-weight ratio with load bearing support capability. It is a lightweight, resilient and energy absorbing material that withstands multiple impacts without damage and reforms to its original shape. Product Engineer Bodyboard, Edel Leon, said “we opted to make this bodyboard out of expanded polypropylene of which 15% comes from recycled fishing nets. This material has many advantages such as its resistance, lightweight form, buoyancy and waterproofness”.

Plastix is a Danish cleantech recycling company specialised in converting fibres, primarily used fishnets, trawls and ropes that would previously have ended up in the ocean or on landfill, into high-grade and virgin-like Green Plastic raw materials. Plastix provides pellets to JSP for ARPRO 35 Ocean. Plastix has developed a unique technology, enabling the mechanical recycling of post-use plastic fibres from the maritime industry.

This board is manufactured by JSP’s customer, Petibol in Portugal and uses no glue and creates no waste. Customers are able to return the bodyboard to the Decathlon shop at the end of its life and the board will then be returned to the Petibol factory. Up to 8% material will be re-used in new production making this bodyboard part of a circular economy. Pauline Mudry, Product Manager Bodyboard said, “we know there is still a way to go to make our products more environmentally friendly but we are moving forward and invite our clients to help us by bringing their products back to the shop when they’re at the end of their life.”

The bodyboard is available from a large number of Decathlon shops within Europe or online and costs €25 www.decathlon.fr/