TAIPEI, Taiwan - Human rights have become a key issue in industrial practices, progressing from a moral inclination to a regulatory necessity. This change is also taking place in the bicycle industry. The issue came to the forefront earlier this year when allegations of mistreatment of migrant workers in the Taiwanese bicycle industry surfaced. The Taipei Cycle show in March offered Bike Europe the opportunity to take stock of what is currently at play in Taiwan.

REICHSHOF, Germany - Schwalbe owner Ralf Bohle GmbH and Pyrum Innovations AG have concluded a framework agreement for the long-term purchase of Pyrum's recovered carbon black (rcb). The agreement covers the purchase of rcb at a fixed price for the next 10 years.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - For the second year in a row the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) held a forum during the Taipei Cycle show to update the industry on the progress of the initiatives of its members. This year a focal point was the introduction of human rights code of conduct signed by all 82 members of the BAS to protect workers rights within the bicycle industry in Taiwan. The occasion was somewhat marred later in the day when a protest contradicted the progress being made.

ITTIGEN, Switzerland - Two key topics challenging the bicycle and e-bike industry, sustainability and geopolitical issues are addressed in a new study by McKinsey & Company and the WFSGI (World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry). Is the industry prepared for 2025?

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In a circular economy it is often a challenge to find a new purpose or customers for recyclable waste. ZIPP owner SRAM had been looking for a source of the waste which comes from the production of its carbon components, including wheelsets, handlebars, stems and seat posts. This issue was addressed through their collaboration with Velo.

SKI, Norway - Just south of Oslo, the first highly automated tyre factory of reTyre has been completed after a construction period of 10 months. "We are the world's first tyre company that can injection-mold tyres instead of manual vulcanization," said eTyre COO Alexander Gjendem Gjørven, who has raised more than 200 million Norwegian kroner (€17.2 million) for reTyre.

MÜHLTAL, Germany - Riese & Müller is setting new standards in sustainable logistics by becoming the first bicycle manufacturer to adopt reusable packaging for e-bike shipments across Europe. Following successful multi-month trials, the BikeBox will now be the standard packaging for over 1,000 dealers in Europe, significantly reducing environmental impact.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Following allegations by LeMonde Diplomatique about indicators of forced labour according to the International Labor Organization (ILO) in the Taiwanese bicycle industry, the trade association Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) felt the urge to respond. "Taiwan as the crucial global supply chain has the responsibility to do things right in every aspect and we appreciate your effort in providing us the guidance and advice regarding the foreign labour issues," the TBA told Bike Europe.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Any frequent visitor of bicycle industry factories in Taiwan, has seen that a lot of the workers come from countries like Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia. Often the signing in the factories is multi-lingual to facilitate the foreign workers. In a recent publication, LeMonde Diplomatique reports that they have found indicators of forced labour according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), particularly in the Taiwan bicycle industry.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In recognition of its ESG activities, Giant Group has joined the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) Emerging Markets Index, making it the first company in the bicycle industry to have this distinction.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - An increasing number of companies follow the China +1 approach for their sourcing strategy. To meet this demand from their customers, one of Taiwan's leading frame manufacturers is currently developing a new production facility in Vietnam with a capacity of 600,000 units. Above all, Sunrise aims to reduce their carbon footprint and raise their level of sustainable production.

FRANKFURT, Germany - The World Bicycle Industrial Association (WBIA) has launched a new supply chain project aimed at guiding the cycling industry towards a sustainable future. The Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC) Operating Model was validated during the WBIA's general assembly held during Eurobike Frankfurt 2024 and is built around the three pillars of education, energy and ecodesign.

JAKOBSTAD, Finland - European component manufacturer, Herrmans Bike Components continues to expand its sustainable product portfolio. The latest addition sees three of its existing chainguard models transition to using 100% recycled ABS plastic.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - Eight prominent cycling industry companies have come together to co-develop and launch a Climate Action Training tailored to the cycling industry. The course aims to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the industry's global supply chains.

PÖCKING, Germany - Circular Logistics GmbH, a pioneer in sustainable packaging solutions, has been awarded in two categories at the German Design Awards 2025 for their innovative design of a reusable transport box for new bikes.

BELFAST, UK - A new documentary has been released to showcase the extent of the waste problem within the cycling industry and offer solutions. Produced as part of a research project from Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Revolutions is a 15-minute documentary that urges stakeholders from across the cycling industry to reconsider their approach and attitudes towards environmental sustainability.

MUNICH, Germany - Gobao, a provider of drive solutions for e-bikes, has become the first Chinese company to receive the Carbon Footprint certificate from TÜV Rheinland.

MÜHLTAL, Germany - E-bike and cargobike manufacturer Riese & Müller has been honoured with the German Sustainability Award in the company category 'Two Wheelers'. This award, which acknowledges ecological and social commitment, has been awarded since 2008 by the German Sustainability Award Foundation and recognises companies that contribute to the sustainable transformation of the economy.

PADOVA, Italy - To reduce the carbon footprint of bicycles, mudguard manufacturer Eurofender has developed a model which is made out of recycled plastic. Besides this, it is also made without aluminum, and the plastic can be fully recycled at the end of the life cycle of the mudguard.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - Bike subscription service Swapfiets, will celebrate its ten-year anniversary on November 7. Under the guidance of Pon Holding's investment company Ponooc since 2018, the company has grown to have over 270,000 members across Europe. Although, still striving for profitability, the B Corp-certified scale-up is working hard towards creating a 100% circular bicycle.

UTRECHT, The Netherlands - 80% of bicycle industry representatives in a recent survey stated that their companies are taking a strategic approach to climate action, with 35% having made considerable progress and are able to track their results. This is a key finding of the first edition of the Climate Action Pulse Check, a global survey that will function as an annual assessment of climate action progress within the cycling industry. However, consumers are less optimistic at the progress gained.