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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 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.
Bayram Akgul, president of WBIA, commented: “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.”
The SSC Project was born out of the vision of Erhard Büchel, former WBIA president, who was 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, utilising efficient resources and innovative strategies.
Bob Margevicius, VP of WBIA, added: “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”
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.
Robert Wu, president of the Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA), concluded: “TBA, being a crucial partner in the global bicycle supply chain, is delighted to see the advent of the 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, etc.
“In addition, we would like to highlight the importance of green mobility and green production. With our collective effort, we are dedicated to sharing a plausible and flexible approach to the ESG challenge in the bike industry.”
The WBIA is inviting all industry stakeholders to join the project.
First round of registrations is open until December 20, 2024.
