It was no surprise that Austria-based KOMPERDELL won a prestigious ISPO Award 2024 this month for its Zero-Series Trekking poles and Zero Waste Programme. As CEO Thomas Roiser told Outdoor i before the OutDoor by ISPO show, “For us, sustainability is not just lip service, we have consciously lived it for more than 40 years.
“Today in Mondsee we certainly have the cleanest pole factory in the world from an environmental point of view. Investing in environmentally friendly production is a matter of course for us, because we thrive on our customers enjoying nature and that requires clean air and a green forest in the mountains.”
The Award noted, ‘With the development of the new Zero Series, Austrian trekking pole specialist Komperdell is taking the next big step towards greater sustainability and is way ahead of many companies.
‘Instead of just focusing on the most environmentally friendly materials and production methods, the company, which still manufactures entirely at its Austrian headquarters, is also taking responsibility in the after-sales area and has set up a comprehensive repair service.’
In a nutshell, Komperdell’s approach to sustainability in its Zero Waste programme means being careful with resources, recycling waste and cutting emissions. For instance, aluminium waste produced in manufacturing is recycled into the melting process to be used for new products.
Poles are made from material sourced in Austria to cut transport costs and the ‘no questions asked’ international repair service signals both confidence in the brand and a lasting commitment to consumers and product longevity.
Following the OutDoor by ISPO trade show, where this year’s focus was on sustainability, we caught up with him to gain a better insight into the company’s ethos and actions.
Sustainability is most often associated with reference to apparel. Are there specific issues and opportunities regarding the production of ski and hiking poles?
The challenge on ski and hiking poles is the variety of components and materials that we have to deal with. Compared to apparel the production processes in the components are much more versatile. With our knowledge it is possible to start a sustainable program right from the raw material.
We think and act according to our zero waste program with the goal of reducing waste and emissions to a minimum through clean production, short transport routes, regional suppliers, a worldwide unique repair service and our recycling program.
How do you develop a culture of thinking ‘sustainability’ in the company?
The culture developed over 50 years as a company culture mainly lived by the Erich and Thomas Roiser (owners of Komperdell) as they wanted to do the right thing. An awareness of your environment and taking care of the resources you have will lead to a down-to-earth mindset and guide your decisions to be sustainable in the future.
Moreover, we offer a comprehensive repair service and repair damaged poles without any questions asked, because sustainability extends beyond production. For us, this is ecologically sustainable.
Are you able to access support, local or national, for help with sustainability?
I can’t think of any actually. Anyway, we are not depending on any help from outside as our motivation for our zero waste program is only coming from the mindset of doing things because it is the right and honest thing to do.
What have you found to be your most useful resources in supporting Komperdell’s sustainability journey?
The most useful resources for us regarding sustainability is the flexibility and passion of our people at Komperdell here in Mondsee. Furthermore, the production we have here in an environmental protected area surrounded by a lake, forests and mountains will give you an awareness of your environment and resources to actually act sustainable from the beginning without much effort.
