WBIA starts Sustainable Supply Chain Project
The World Bicycle Industrial Association (WBIA) has officially validated the WBIA Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC) Operating model during its General Assembly held at Eurobike Frankfurt 2024. This groundbreaking model, initially introduced at Taichung Bike Week 2024, is built around three key pillars: Education, Energy and Ecodesign. The WBIA Board has reaffirmed that these pillars will guide the cycling industry toward a unified and sustainable future.
The SSC Project was born out of the vision of Erhard Büchel, former WBIA President, who was deeply committed to uniting the cycling industry around a common sustainability initiative. Building on this foundation, the project has been further developed by WBIA Sustainability Director, Germain Lesur, and the whole WBIA secretariat. The model is designed to direct the global cycling industry toward a common goal of sustainability, utilizing efficient resources and innovative strategies.
The WBIA is inviting all industry stakeholders to join the project.
The SSC Project will be driven by monthly working group meetings, with each session focusing on one of the three pillars — Education, Energy, or Ecodesign. These meetings will provide a valuable opportunity for companies and associations to exchange ideas, collaborate, and work on common initiatives, supported by the WBIA SSC Project’s framework. Participants will delve into a specific and concrete project where the objective is to align on common practices which will focus on clear KPIs, ensuring continuous progress, monitoring and collaboration.
Bayram Akgul, President of WBIA: “The validation of the Sustainable Supply Chain Operating Model is more than just a milestone for WBIA — it is a call for global collaboration. This model provides a unique platform for discussion and action for all sustainability projects across worldwide cycling associations and companies. By pledging to a common direction, we aim to unify our efforts in addressing the key hotspots within our industry, from resource efficiency to reducing carbon emissions. Through this shared framework, we are not only supporting the enhancement of sustainability in the bicycle industry but also setting a clear, collective path forward. This is a pivotal step in ensuring that the entire global cycling ecosystem moves together toward a greener and more responsible future.”
Bob Margevicius, Vice-President of WBIA, stated, “The WBIA Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC) Operating Model under the leadership of Germain Lesur and the WBIA secretariat is designed and implemented to globally align the cycling industry with key sustainability principles, aiming to reduce environmental impact, enhance social responsibility, and ensure long-term economic resilience”
Robert Wu, President of the Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA), stated, “TBA, being a crucial partner in the global bicycle supply chain, is delighted to see the advent of WBIA SSC project. Together with Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS), we hope to advocate an open platform for sustainability and aim in setting future trends in ESG, for instance, carbon credits, carbon saving accounts and etc. In addition, we would like to highlight the importance of green mobility and green production. With our collective effort, we are dedicated in sharing plausible and flexible approach of the ESG challenge in the bike industry.”
Aditya Munjal, President of the All India Cycle Manufacturers’ Association (AICMA), added, “The WBIA’s Sustainable Supply Chain Operating Model initiative is dedicated to fostering sustainable practices in the cycling industry. It is geared towards implementing eco-friendly solutions throughout the production and delivery processes to significantly reduce carbon footprints. The initiative places strong emphasis on utilizing sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and enhancing resource efficiency. Furthermore, it seeks to promote global collaboration among cycling associations to share best practices and collectively advance sustainability. Additionally, the initiative places a high priority on fostering accountability, upholding ethical standards, and promoting environmental responsibility across the entire supply chain.”
The WBIA calls on the industry to join the WBIA SSC project. First round of registrations is open until 20 December 2024.
Contact Information:
Germain Lesur
WBIA Sustainability Director
germain.lesur@conebi.eu
Manuel Marsilio
CONEBI General Manager
manuel.marsilio@conebi.eu
About WBIA:
The World Bicycle Industrial Association (WBIA) is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the interests of the bicycle industry worldwide. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, WBIA aims to promote sustainable growth and development across the entire cycling ecosystem.
World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA): You can find more information at this link.
