Doing our part for the climate and the environment
We believe that economic success and environmental protection go hand in hand. That’s why safeguarding the environment forms a key part of our business strategy. In the “Environment” impact area, we’re committed to protecting the world around us, using fewer natural resources and cutting down material flows by working more efficiently.
We’re always looking for new ways to cut emissions, avoid waste and save energy. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our use of renewables, streamlining energy use and encouraging our teams to embrace the circular economy mindset. We also slow down resource flows through durable design and longer product use. Above all, we see real purpose in producing for the most environmentally friendly means of transport in the world – the bicycle.
How we’re adapting to a changing climate
Back in 2021, Hebie carried out a climate resilience assessment at its Bielefeld site, supported by B.A.U.M. Consult GmbH using the CheckA tool for “Climate change adaptation in the workplace”. This allowed us to identify and evaluate site-specific risks linked to global climate change. Since then, we’ve been actively developing measures to minimise those risks. Steps already taken include updating our entire power supply in 2024 and expanding the electrical distribution system to include surge protection – all aimed at reducing the risk of lightning strikes. To reduce the risk of damage from heavy rainfall, we relocated the site for our new transformer building and overhauled the stormwater drainage system on the premises. We’ll continue to factor in climate-related changes – both on site and across the region – to protect our production capabilities and safeguard the health of our workforce, particularly as temperatures continue to rise.
Getting involved in the CIRCO project
The CIRCO method showed us how ideas for circular products and new business areas can be turned into concrete measures and implementation strategies. In 2024, our team took part in a workshop series as part of the CIRCO project – an innovative approach that helps companies develop products and business models designed to keep materials and resources in circulation rather than sending them to waste at the end of a product’s life. Using the Hebie FIX 40 rear stand as a case study, we applied circular strategies to a traditionally linear product. With the help of the CIRCO method, we analysed the full value chain of a bicycle – with a focus on our rear stand as one component of the overall system.
Sustainability begins with durability: 30-year warranty
When you use a tubus carrier, you choose a product that will last for generations. Unfortunately, we cannot offer a lifetime warranty: “Maximum 30 years”, says the law. “Very well,” we say: “Then we’ll offer a 30-year warranty on tubus carriers (from production year 2009)”. You can find the detailed warranty conditions here.
BASKIT EDGE
Our pioneer in resource conservation and circular economy: Rust-free, highly durable and long-lasting – this basket is made from 50%* recycled plastic, using post-industrial waste (PIR) as the source material. Manufactured at our site in Bielefeld, it has only a short journey before hitting the road as a versatile transport solution on any bike. With a 10-year warranty, the BASKIT EDGE sets the standard for what we expect from our products.
* The 50% refers to the portion of the overall material that can be replaced with recycled content.
SNAPIT 2.0-ADAPTER
SNAPIT 2.0 CONNECT
With the SNAPIT 2.0-ADAPTER/SNAPIT 2.0 CONNECT we also see the sustainability aspect in that we focus not only on quality and durability, but also on short distances, efficient processes and resource-saving in-house production of plastic parts. Through in-house production (except for springs, clamps and screws), we avoid unnecessary transport, reduce CO₂ emissions and utilise our own expertise and existing technologies with high added value. This is how products that are future-oriented and environmentally conscious are created at our Bielefeld site as part of the “Made in Bielefeld Strategy”.
The VSF quality seal for proven, sustainable products
In 2024, our FIX and FOX rear stand series were evaluated across a range of criteria, including material quality (types of material, substances, colours, etc.); environmental protection (waste and recycling figures, company energy consumption trends, share of renewable energy, emissions levels, etc.); social responsibility (health and safety, community initiatives, etc.); and sustainability (targets, strategies, environmental and management systems, continuous improvement processes, and measures to reduce emissions).
An expert panel awarded both the FIX and FOX rear stand series the VSF all-ride quality label, which remains valid until 2027.
Certified ÖKOPROFIT® company
ÖKOPROFIT® is our environmental management system. Since 2010 Hebie in Bielefeld and since 2022 tubus in Münster have been ÖKOPROFIT® certified. ÖKOPROFIT® provides us with continuous, systematic and action-oriented support in improving operational environmental and climate protection, increasing resource efficiency and improving processes.
Sustainable production
Our main focus is on avoiding waste altogether – or, where that’s not possible, on separating materials cleanly so they can be reused as secondary raw materials or used for energy recovery. At our Bielefeld site, for example, we cut down on plastic waste by feeding rejected plastic back into the production process – using the right systems and technology to make it happen.
Material compliance within the company and supply chain
Following our two-year participation in the RASUM project at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, which ran until 2024 and focused on material compliance in the bicycle industry and the requirements of national and international material-specific regulations, we decided to establish our own dedicated material compliance department within the HEBIE GROUP. This allows us to respond more effectively to increasing customer requests for information on REACH, RoHS, PFAS and other regulatory developments. We’re continuing to build expertise in this area and see it as an ongoing process.
100% green electricity | Clean energy
Hebie in Bielefeld and tubus in Münster both use 100% certified green electricity. At Hebie, this is supplemented by our own photovoltaic system, which has been in operation since 2000. Since 2016, Hebie has also been connected to the Bielefeld district heating network – a highly eco-friendly form of heating with very low CO₂ emissions. Part of our heating energy comes from heat recovery systems used in hydraulic and tool cooling, along with additional heat recovery from compressed air generation. At tubus, natural gas is still used for heating for now, although plans are in place to switch to green gas once the current contract ends in late 2026.
sults of the “bicycle recycling” survey, University of Paderborn
We will soon publish the results of the survey on bicycle use and lifespan, conducted in cooperation with the University of Paderborn, here.
If you have any questions on this topic, please feel free to contact us: