Scarpa launch range of “Bio” ski boots

Italian specialist boot manufacturer Scarpa have launched a range of ski boots made using the Pebax Rnew plant based plastic. The boots will be available for the start of the 2009-2010 season.

Scarpa Tornado Eco

The boots, Tornado Eco, T2 Eco including a woman’s version, are aimed at the freeride and telemark segements. Pebax Rnew is made from 90% plant based oil but offers performance comparible with existing plastics.

Scarpa claims that the boots “continue the SCARPA tradition of firsts by setting the bar for performance while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and energy use.” Pebax Rnew is made from castor oil (think Castrol) and production requires 29 percent less fossil fuel and puts out 32 percent fewer emissions. India, China and Brazil are leaders in castor bean production. There is obviously a question mark as to whether production is sustainable and whether is supplants other crops in a negative way.

Scarpa say the new boots have undergone 18 months testing and claim that the new boots retain stiffness over a slightly wider temperature range compared to existing Pebax. Dynafit have already used Rislan, a Castor oil product to add stiffeners to their boots but Scarpa appears to be the first boot made entirely of this natural product.