It may not look like much, but all that plastic used to package most bikes really adds up. Thankfully, we’re starting to see a trend in the industry with big brands like Trek and Cannondale moving to plastic-free packaging. But it’s not just the big brands, smaller companies like Mondraker are rethinking their packaging needs as well.
The issue isn’t really how to remove the plastic from the packaging, it’s how to properly protect the bikes during shipping using only plastic-free materials like cardboard and masking tape.
Mondraker has a clever new cardboard box that was completely designed in-house at their new headquarters. The various pieces of die-cut cardboard cleverly fold and interlock offering support and protection for the bike as needed. No zip ties, plastic, or foam will be used. Instead, everything is 100% recyclable by the end user. That includes adhesive tape made from rice, box seals made from potato pulp, and organic adhesives. Even the ink for the box is biodegradable and organic. Technically, there are two velcro straps used, but those are meant to be reusable so you can reuse the entire shipping container multiple times.
Better still, the new packaging has reduced overall volume and offers improved protection for the bike itself compared to the previous method. With this move, Mondraker joins Cannondale and VAAST with completely plastic-free packaging, with Trek not far behind with a goal of going plastic-free by 2024.
