On the slopes this winter, some people are clipping into skis made with an unusual ingredient: algae oil.
Sterbenz: “Winter sports becoming one of the first use cases of these modern bio-based oil applications was really appealing to me.”
Matt Sterbenz is a former professional skier and the founder of WNDR Alpine, which makes skis, snowboards, and apparel using plastics derived from microalgae. The materials are developed by WNDR Alpine’s parent company, a biotech firm called Checkerspot.
Plastics are typically made from fossil fuels. The process produces carbon pollution at all stages — from extracting and transporting fossil fuels to the refining and manufacturing processes.
Using algae eliminates the need for fossil fuels as a raw ingredient. And Checkerspot uses renewable energy at its manufacturing facility.
So Sterbenz says they’re making skis that are better for the climate — without compromising the skis’ performance.
Sterbenz: “Performance is not lost. If anything, it’s enhanced. … We’re able to achieve a nice, damp, stable, and supple feel.”
It’s one example of how companies can leave fossil fuels behind — and create products that are better for the Earth.
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media