Giving a damn about sustainability means radically reimagining our current linear systems of production (take->make->use->toss) and replacing them with circular systems that have longer and more reusable lifespans. For Burton, that means creating products from renewable or recycled material, designing for durability, facilitating easy repair, and reusing, remaking, and recycling materials at the end of a product’s life to close the loop.  

That’s easier said than done with complex, technical gear built to stand up to the elements season after season. We’ll be the first to admit that we don’t have all the answers. Some solutions we’ll need to create on our own. Other solutions will come from joining forces with industry partners—we're talking industry-changing, economic transformation! There’s new territory to navigate, but we’re guided by science-based tools like an in-house Life Cycle Assessment to make sure we approach circular product design holistically. To close the loop, you’ll see us tackle circularity at different points in the lifecycle of our products–from materials that are made to last, to warranty and repair programs, to new circular service models, and innovations that shake up business as usual.  

When it comes to sustainability, it’s best practice to set a clear path forward. A misguided detour could easily lead to a cliff instead of a powder stash. Since 2014, we’ve used our in-house Life Cycle Analysis to guide our hardgoods product development. We use this tool to evaluate our products from “cradle-to-gate" and consider our use of raw materials through manufacturing until they get to our stores. This helps us get scientific about assessing the impact of our materials and manufacturing choices. Board, binding, or boots–LCA is what keeps us focused on meaningful actions that measurably reduce our carbon footprint. Instead of being susceptible to our best intentions.