December 13, 2024 Climbing brand claims an industry first for recycled aluminum content

Black Diamond sets new standards with verified recycled aluminum content in carabiners and trekking poles – while reducing its carbon footprint by 88 tons annually.

Climbing and mountain sports brand Black Diamond Equipment has established the first-ever benchmarks for recycled aluminum content in climbing hardware and trekking poles. Verified by UL Solutions, this milestone validates Black Diamond’s claims and sets new standards for sustainability within the outdoor industry.

As part of its ambitious 2030 sustainability goals, Black Diamond aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% and transition 50% of its products to preferred materials, including recycled and regenerative fibers. Aluminum, which makes up about 10% of Black Diamond’s carbon footprint, is a major focus in this effort.

Verified recycled content in key products

Using UL Solutions’ Environmental Claim Validation (ECVP 2809-2), Black Diamond’s BD7075 aluminum alloy billet now contains 25% pre-consumer recycled aluminum, a key material in its carabiners.

For trekking poles, UL Solutions certified the following:

• Trail, Trail Cork, and Trail Back Trekking Poles: 30% pre-consumer recycled aluminum, with a minimum of 14% recycled content by finished weight.
• Pursuit FLZ, Distance FLZ, and Distance Z Trekking Poles: 30% pre-consumer recycled aluminum, with a minimum of 16% recycled content by finished weight.

This shift reduces Black Diamond’s reliance on virgin aluminum by approximately 88 tons annually while maintaining high standards for quality and durability.

Toward circularity and repairable designs

Black Diamond recognizes the challenges of achieving circularity in hardgoods but remains committed to incremental progress. Starting in early 2025, products featuring the UL Solutions Environmental Claim Validation Mark will hit the market.

To extend product lifespans, Black Diamond will launch a new spare parts program for trekking poles, enabling easier repairs and waste reduction. Additionally, plans for an end-of-life recycling program for trekking poles and metallic climbing hardware aim to create new aluminum products from directly recycled materials—another industry first.

“This is just the beginning,” said Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond Equipment.

“Our work with UL Solutions is a critical step in reducing our reliance on virgin materials and lowering our carbon footprint. We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainability in the outdoor industry and hope to inspire others.”