Winmark x Elan: Sustainable Values

Since 1945, Elan has been a trailblazer in the snowsports industry and sustainability has been at the core of its values since day one. Through innovative production processes, responsibly sourced materials, and strategic partnerships, Elan has paved a path toward a greener future through conscious environmental stewardship.

Elan’s modern factory, located in the pristine mountains of the Slovenian Alps, is powered by electricity, 100% from renewable sources. 25% of this energy comes directly from Elan’s own solar power plant, which is helping the company to establish energy independence. 

Careful planning and design throughout the production process helps eliminate waste typically associated with building skis.  Digitally printed graphics reduce tons of volatile organic compound waste, while unused materials are captured and recycled throughout production, leading to products that do more with less impact on nature.

99% of the materials that go into an Elan ski are sourced within  Europe, and 86% of those materials come from within 250 miles of Elan’s world class factory.  This means short supply chains, reduced emissions, and healthy relationships with trusted sources.

From sourcing materials to retail partners, establishing relationships with businesses that share Elan’s values has been key to implementing sustainable business practices. Working closely with partners that act responsibly creates a level of understanding and trust that people and the planet are being looked after each step of the way.

As partners equally motivated by sustainability, Winmark - the Resale Company® and Elan have partnered to drive circularity in Play It Again Sports® franchised locations throughout North America by helping customers extend the life of their quality used ski equipment, reduce environmental impact, and provide value to winter sports enthusiasts in their local communities.

Winmark and its Play it Again Sports franchises can be found across the United States and Canada.  For 40 years, they’ve worked with the local communities to help put quality used sports equipment in the hands of athletes instead of into landfills, extending the life of more than 140,000 snowsports products in the last 12 months alone.  A key initiative that makes this possible is a buy-back campaign leading up to National Recycling Day on November 15th.  

Elan is proud to be the official sustainability partner of Play it Again Sports and encourages you to extend the life of your used Elan skis by supporting the Play it Again Sports Buy-Drive.  To learn more or find a location, visit:  https://www.playitagainsports.com/home/elan-partnership