The sun has set on 2024. It was a challenging year at times, but when we look back, there's a lot we're proud of. Here are some of the highlights.
SUSTAINABILITY:
PFAS free
Per and Polyfluoroalky Subatances (PFAS) are a class of chemical that at high exposure leves are associated with negative health outcomes. They persist in nature for a very long time, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals” and can be transported all over the world through the water cycle. While outerwear isn’t a major contributor to these chemicals being found in people and wild places, their continued use is incompatible with the ethos of our brand and the outdoor industry in general.
In summer of 2023, we ceased production of new inventory containing PFAS. 2024 was a year of transition as we cleared out old inventory and brought in updated versions of each style. While we still have a little bit of inventory remaining that contains PFAS, nearly every style we make is available in a PFAS-free construction.
Recycled Content
In 2024, nearly all outerwear we built used 100% recycled nylon or polyester fabric, putting us well ahead of our goal to have at least 50% recycled content in all outerwear styles by 2025. While it’s important to incorporate recycled material into all of our styles, the biggest impact came from transitioning high-volume styles such as the Transit Pant and Syncline Jacket to 100% recycled nylon for builds that started shipping in early 2024.
Porlite
2024 also saw the expanded use of Porlite in our product line. Porlite is a microporous membrane technology made from Polypropylene that is replacing PTFE membranes in our product line. It’s a key ingredient in our transition away from PFAS. We launched our first Porlite Jacket in 2022, and positive reviews gave us the confidence to transition from other popular styles to this new material. Compared to PTFE membranes, the Porlite membrane requires less raw material, electricity and water to create, helping us reduce our environmental footprint.
EVENTS:
Biggest Warehouse Sale
Every fall we invite some friends over and drag a bunch of new and used gear out of our warehouse into the parking lot across the street for our annual warehouse sale. The night before, we all have nightmares where nobody shows up, which makes us all the more grateful when our customers line up around the block the next morning.
This year’s sale was truly special, boasting the biggest attendance in the history of the event. Thanks so much to you, our customers and our friends at Coava Coffee Roasters, Portland Design Works, BlackStrap Stitchworks and Vvolt E-Mobility for helping make this year’s event such a success.
PRODUCT LAUNCHES:
Elite III
In fall 2024, we launched Elite III, the first generational update to our flagship Elite cycling jackets in over a decade. It boasts the same great fit and performance as it’s predecessor with a few minor design updates focused on ease of use and durability. Elite III features PFAS free Porlite fabric with 100% recycled nylon face fabric and backer. It encapsulates both where we’ve come from and our vision for the future.
Our best-selling Refuge Jacket received an update and is now made with Porlite waterproof-breathable fabrics.
Superlight Socks
Superlight is our lightest and thinnest waterproof sock to date. They are receiving lots of positive reviews!
Boneshaker Gloves
A limited edition version of our waterproof-knit gloves that arrived… a month late for Halloween…
Sometimes things just don’t go to plan. We still have a skeleTON of humerus ideas for marketing these. Stay tuned.
People for Bikes
A limited edition version of the new Elite III Jacket and Elite Cycling Cap with unique color-blocking and logos celebrating People for Bikes’s 25 years of advocating for people, policy, and infrastructure.
