Advanced Bio-Circular Materials
Derived From Castor Beans
INNOVATION + PERFORMANCE + ECO-DESIGN
Unlike traditional petroleum polymers, Pebax® Rnew® polymers actually absorb atmospheric CO2 during their growth cycle, thus greatly reducing the carbon footprint (climate change) of the resultant polymer.
The combination of its truly exceptional mechanical performance plus its bio-based, sustainable origin, makes the Pebax® Rnew® range of polymers a winning combination!
Feel free to reach out to our teams to discuss Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), low-impact materials and design/assembly optimization.
OUR FEEDSTOCK : THE CASTOR BEAN
- No direct competition with food: Castor has no nutritional value
- No deforestation: Castor grows in arid regions, where there is little forest growth
- Castor beans are quite drought resistant
- Castor beans are considered a "Kharif crop", taking advantage of the Indian monsoon rain cycles
AN EXCEPTIONAL BEAN.
DRIVING SUSTAINABLE FARMING IN INDIA
The primary material used to make Pebax® Rnew® polymers is castor oil, obtained from the crushing of castor beans. These beans are predominantly grown in India, in the Gujarat region.
This is where we are working closely with the castor farmers through our Pragati program launched in 2016, where we drive sustainable crop production thanks to good agricultural practices and efficient use of water resources.
Every purchase of shoes or boots powered by Pebax® Rnew® materials helps the farmers and their families sustain a better life. These materials are not just specified for their renewable origin, but also for the tremendous positive impact they make on this social community.
SOME FACTS ABOUT CASTOR BEAN FARMING:
- There are almost 700,000 castor bean farmers in India
- Each farm is independently owned by the farming families; No evidence of large monopolies
- Each farm is typically 1-2 hectares in size (approx. 5 acres)
- On each farm, they typically also raise cows and food crops
- Castor beans grow in the most marginal soil; They use the best soil for food crops
- Castor crop is considered profitable and easy to sell (a cash crop)
PRAGATI IS THE HINDI WORD FOR "PROGRESS"
Since the beginning of the Pragati program in 2016, 6,200+ castor farmers from 80 villages have been trained and audited on good agricultural practices, representing over 50,000 tons of castor seeds being farmed in accordance with the SuCCESS sustainable castor code.
As a result, water consumption dropped by approximately 30% in the demo plots where this can be measured. A yield improvement of 22% has been achieved versus comparable yield published by local government in the region. Additionally, 6,300 safety kits (gloves, goggles) and storage boxes have been distributed to the farmers.
SEE THE FIELDS FOR YOURSELF !
Take an immersive trip with us through the fields and yards in Gujarat India. Feel free to explore the 360° view, enjoy the beautiful landscapes and hear the testimonies from the farmers and their families.
Minimal impact for the environment,
Maximum impact for people.
SOME OF OUR PARTNERS IN THIS SUSTAINABLE JOURNEY:
MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 24: A PEBAX® RNEW® WAVE PLATE
A leader in running footwear and apparel technology, Mizuno has launched a new version of the iconic "Wave Rider" shoe range. The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 comes with the beloved Mizuno Wave Plate technology, this time made with our sustainably sourced, bio-based Pebax® Rnew® polymer derived from castor beans!
ON RUNNING: CIRCULAR SHOE FROM CASTOR BEANS
The Pebax Powered® technical team has worked closely with the Swiss sportswear manufacturer On to helped them design a fully circular and innovative running shoe: the Cloudneo.
It is the world’s first shoe made from polyamide materials only, making it recyclable. It is commercialized through the Cyclon monthly subscription.
Run. Recycle. Repeat.
SCARPA DEMONSTRATES THEIR SKI BOOTS TO OUR CASTOR FARMERS
Far from the winter ski slopes, the castor farmers in Gujarat marvel at the technology enabled by their sustainable farming activities.
Scarpa's lightweight, super durable ski boots help support many farming family members in the region.
PICTURES FROM THE FIELDS
Browse through a selection of images from Gujarat, India - home to almost 80% of the world's supply of castor oil.
