Sustainability at Belgian Cycling Factory

We have only one planet and it is our shared responsibility to take care of it. At Belgian Cycling Factory, sustainability is not a slogan, but a continuous commitment embedded in the way we design, produce and operate our business. While cycling itself is already one of the most sustainable forms of mobility — requiring no fossil fuels, promoting health and connecting people with their environment — we believe our responsibility goes much further.

Across our facilities, processes and long-term strategy, we actively invest in solutions that reduce our environmental footprint, improve working conditions and contribute to a more responsible industry.

Renewable energy at our Beringen headquarters

One of the most visible investments can be found on the roofs of our production facilities in Beringen, where 1,584 solar panels generate a total installed AC capacity of 376,200 watts (≈ 376 kW).

On an annual basis, this installation produces enough renewable electricity to supply approximately 110 to 130 average households, based on typical European household consumption. In practical terms, this output equals the simultaneous operation of more than 18,000 LED lights of 20 watts, or roughly 150 electric cooking plates running at full power.

From an environmental perspective, the solar installation allows us to avoid an estimated 180 to 200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, compared to conventional grid electricity. By generating a significant share of our own renewable energy, we reduce dependency on fossil fuels and structurally lower our operational carbon footprint.

This transition extends beyond our buildings. Our company fleet is gradually being electrified, replacing conventional diesel and petrol vehicles with electric alternatives, supported by on-site charging infrastructure for everyday use. At the same time, we encourage colleagues to choose the bicycle for their daily commute through a cycling allowance. Several team members are dedicated commuters, with some riding more than 40 kilometres per day on a Ridley — a reflection of both personal commitment and the practicality of cycling as a sustainable transport solution.

Water-based paint technology in our in-house paint shop

Another important sustainability initiative is the conversion of our in-house paint shop to water-based paint systems. These coatings contain approximately 90% fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to traditional solvent-based paints. This significantly improves indoor air quality for our employees while simultaneously reducing environmental impact.

Plant Manager Jan Van Daal explains:

"Water-based paint allows us to apply a thinner yet higher-quality coating layer, which reduces overall material consumption. While the unit cost is higher, we need less product per frame. In addition, we no longer require thinners, as the paint can be diluted with water. This results in a substantially lower environmental footprint."

By investing in cleaner technologies within our core production processes, we continue to improve both workplace safety and environmental performance without compromising product quality.

Reusing protective frame packaging

Sustainability is also reflected in everyday operational choices. In our assembly department, protective frame packaging materials are actively reused instead of discarded. The protective bags applied during production are given a second life as bike protection sleeves and handlebar covers, reducing waste and maximising the use of existing materials.

This initiative originated on the shop floor. To make the process efficient and scalable, Team Lead Assembly Peter Drykoningen developed a dedicated cutting table that allows the material to be repurposed quickly and consistently.

“It felt wrong to treat perfectly usable material as waste,” says Peter. “By rethinking how we handle these protective bags and designing a simple cutting solution ourselves, we were able to turn a small idea into a practical improvement that fits seamlessly into our daily workflow.” By empowering employees to take ownership and innovate from within, small ideas can lead to meaningful and lasting sustainability gains.

Operations Manager Robbie Gelders adds:

"By reusing these materials, we significantly reduce plastic waste while ensuring that our bicycles continue to be transported safely and securely to our customers."

This initiative allows us to reuse roughly 3 tonnes of protective plastic material per year. While seemingly small on an individual level, these cumulative improvements generate meaningful environmental impact over time.

Product longevity and responsible manufacturing

Sustainability is not limited to operational efficiency alone, product longevity plays an equally important role. Belgian Cycling Factory offers a lifetime warranty on frames, encouraging repair and long-term use over premature replacement. We acknowledge that carbon fiber production involves global supply chains and transportation impact. Extending product lifespan is therefore one of the most effective ways to reduce the overall environmental footprint of a bicycle.

A durable product retains its value, reduces waste and supports a more circular approach to manufacturing, fully aligned with our commitment to responsible production.

A continuous commitment

At Belgian Cycling Factory, we view sustainability as a continuous process, built on hundreds of decisions — large and small — taken every day. It is a long-term commitment to our employees, our partners, our customers and the world in which our bicycles are designed, manufactured and ridden.

We remain committed to further improving our environmental performance while continuing to deliver high-quality, innovative products for cyclists worldwide.