Burton

Introduction

Burton, a prominent name in the snowboarding world, was founded in 1977 by Jake Burton Carpenter in Vermont, USA. Carpenter's revolutionary vision for snowboarding emerged from his love for the sport and his desire to create the perfect snowboard. Over the years, Burton grew from a backyard operation into a globally recognized brand, helping to pioneer the sport and elevate its status. The commitment of Burton to continuously innovate and improve their products reflects the brand's deep sense of community and connection to the snowboarding culture.

The philosophy of Burton revolves around the idea of progression, both in the sport itself and in the lives of its riders. The brand emphasizes adventure, creativity, and inclusivity, aiming to unite the snowboarding community. With a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, Burton has made strides in utilizing eco-friendly materials and practices. Their dedication to the sport goes beyond just manufacturing; they actively support riders and initiatives that push the boundaries of snowboarding while encouraging newcomers to join the excitement.

What sets Burton apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and performance. The brand consistently showcases a blend of style and functionality in its gear, appealing to both seasoned enthusiasts and beginners alike. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and feedback from professional athletes, Burton ensures its products not only meet but often exceed the expectations of its users. This strong connection between the brand's identity and its community reinforces Burton's status as an industry leader and a trusted source for snowboarding enthusiasts around the globe.

Signature Products

Burton's product lineup is integral to its identity, offering a diverse range of gear designed with both performance and style in mind.

• Burton Custom : A versatile snowboard known for its all-mountain performance, suitable for riders of various skill levels.
• Burton Escapade : A high-performance women’s snowboard binding designed for comfort and control on the slopes.
• Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Jacket : A top-tier jacket offering waterproof protection and breathability, perfect for harsh weather conditions.
• Burton [ak] 3L Circle Pullover : A lightweight, three-layer pullover that combines breathability with extreme waterproofing.
• Burton Mission : A durable and reliable snowboard binding that offers a great balance of flex and response for all mountain riding.

Materials and Ingredients Used by BURTON

• Recycled Polyester : This material is derived from recycled plastic bottles and other waste, helping to reduce landfill waste. Burton uses recycled polyester in their outerwear and apparel, as it provides durability while also minimizing environmental impact.
• Resin : Resin is a synthetic material often used in combination with other fibers to enhance water resistance and durability. Burton incorporates resin in their snowboard and ski gear to improve performance in harsh weather conditions, making their products more reliable for outdoor activities.
• Down : Down is a natural insulation material made from the fluffy undercoat of birds, known for its superior warmth-to-weight ratio. Burton utilizes down in their insulated jackets and sleeping bags to ensure maximum warmth during cold weather while keeping the gear lightweight and packable.
• Wool : Wool is a natural fiber obtained from sheep that offers excellent thermal regulation, moisture-wicking properties, and odor resistance. Burton uses wool in various clothing items to provide comfort and warmth, making it suitable for a range of outdoor activities.
• Organic Cotton : Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Burton incorporates organic cotton in casual apparel for its softness and breathability, aligning with their commitment to sustainability and comfort in everyday wear.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From BURTON

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration:

Energy Consumption:

Recycled polyester, while beneficial in reducing landfill waste, is energy-intensive to produce. The process involves melting down existing plastic and re-spinning it into fiber. This can require significant amounts of electricity, often derived from non-renewable sources. An example is the plastic bottle recycling process, where up to 3.66 kWh per kg of recycled plastic is consumed, which contributes to carbon emissions unless the electricity comes from renewable sources.

Microplastic Pollution:

Microplastics are a significant issue with recycled polyester. When garments made from this material are washed, they release microplastic fibers into the wastewater system. This wastewater eventually finds its way into oceans and other water bodies, harming marine life. For instance, a single fleece jacket can shed up to 250,000 microfibers per wash.

Fossil Fuel Dependence:

Nylon production relies heavily on petroleum, a non-renewable resource. The extraction, refining, and polymerization of petroleum for nylon production contribute significant greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel dependence not only accelerates climate change but also ties the material's cost and availability to volatile oil markets. For example, producing 1 kg of nylon results in emissions of nearly 5.5 kg of CO2 equivalent.

Chemical Emissions:

Both polyurethane (PU) and resin materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production. VOCs can cause air pollution and have been linked to health issues like respiratory problems and cancer. For PU, the isocyanates used in the production process are particularly hazardous. These chemicals need controlled conditions to ensure worker safety and environmental protection, often presenting challenges in countries with lax regulations.

Non-Biodegradability:

Polyurethane (PU) is not biodegradable, leading to waste management issues. After its useful life, PU generally ends up in landfills where it can persist for hundreds of years. Because it's often used in products like footwear, which are discarded frequently, the accumulation of PU waste is significant. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that millions of tons of such materials are disposed of annually in the U.S. alone.

Animal Welfare:

The sourcing of down, which is the soft insulating layer of feathers from birds like ducks and geese, raises significant animal welfare concerns. Birds are sometimes live-plucked, a practice causing extreme pain and distress. Furthermore, conditions of breeding and rearing in down farms can sometimes be inadequate, leading to poor animal health and increased susceptibility to diseases. Audits and certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) aim to mitigate these issues but are not uniformly enforced.

Overgrazing:

Wool production can lead to overgrazing, where sheep feed disproportionately on pastures, degrading the land and causing soil erosion. This impacts the ecosystem's balance, reducing biodiversity and leading to desertification in severe cases. Regions like Australia, which is a significant wool producer, face challenges where overgrazing by sheep has contributed to land degradation and ecosystem damage.

Water Consumption:

Both organic cotton and wool production require substantial water inputs. Organic cotton often needs even more water than conventional cotton as it cannot rely on synthetic fertilizers, thus requiring more water to grow. The water footprint of 1 kg of cotton can be as high as 20,000 liters, putting pressure on water resources in arid regions. Wool also demands water for livestock rearing and washing the raw wool, with water usage issues exacerbating the strain on local water supplies.

Transportation Emissions:

The transportation of raw materials like organic cotton and natural rubber from farm to factory, and then from factory to market, involves long distances and multiple journeys. This results in significant fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, cotton may be grown in India, processed in China, and then sold in the United States, creating a vast carbon footprint due to shipping and logistics.

Deforestation:

The cultivation of natural rubber can lead to deforestation, especially in tropical regions. Forests are often cleared to make way for rubber plantations, contributing to loss of biodiversity and increased carbon emissions. Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, major producers of natural rubber, have seen significant forest cover loss, impacting local wildlife and contributing to climate change.

By addressing these issues, businesses like BURTON can enhance their sustainability profiles, reduce their environmental impact, and promote ethical practices throughout their supply chains.