NEOX® — Leading the Way In Sustainability

For decades, Petzl has made it possible for those who are passionate about the outdoors to experience unique moments in nature and access incredible places. So it's important for us to do our part to protect the environment. We've set two main environmental objectives: reduce our CO2 emissions and reduce our waste. We've also taken action on several projects, including the development of an eco-friendly design approach. In 2024, discover the first Petzl product designed with this approach: the new NEOX® belay device with cam-assisted blocking, optimized for belaying a lead climber.

A Successful Eco-Design Initiative

The development of this new, lower-impact product involved several stages. First of all, we needed to know the specific impact of each component and each material. Our teams were able to analyze this data using the product Life Cycle Analysis tool, which indicates the environmental impacts at each stage in a product's life. Responsible for 60% of the impact of components (which themselves generate 78% of a belay device's CO2 emissions), plastic parts were to be the first to be redesigned.

The search for solutions began. The R&D team called upon our sustainable materials expert to source new, lower-impact materials. New recycled plastics passed the rigorous qualification tests and were integrated into the new product. We also optimized the manufacturing process with the reuse of a manufacturing infrastructure for a metal component of the belay device. Last but not least, we opted for delivery by boat.

The Result: A Product With 20% Lower CO2 Impact

The eco-design process also led to increased optimization and significant savings in CO2 emissions. To evaluate the decrease in carbon impact, the NEOX® was compared to its most similar products, the GRIGRI®

Decrease in carbon intensity NEOX® vs GRIGRI®

Pierre-Olivier Chabod, Technical Project Manager for the NEOX®, reminds us that our teams have always sought to design the most compact and lightweight product possible, and that this quest for efficiency often coincides with eco-design. He underlines the fact that Petzl's eco-design approach has given its teams the resources and time needed to move in the right direction and establish genuine collaboration with Petzl partners and suppliers. The process has become beneficial for all.

"Personally, I'm pleased to be part of this evolution at Petzl, and in a more global sense the outdoor industry. We could no longer say that we didn't know and it's important that everyone takes action within the scope of their own roles."

What’s Next?

We still have a long way to go. And Petzl is working to launch our eco-design initiative in a big way, continuing to develop our skills in this space. Training is available, teams are improving the reliability of tools and data, new pathways in eco-design are being studied and other key products will see significant improvements in the months and years to come.

Environmental Quantification Manager, Ophélie Rey-Ricord, says:

"Since my arrival at Petzl, I've been pleasantly surprised by the commitments that have been made to face environmental challenges. What I particularly appreciate is collective action, which is necessary to make progress in these initiatives. Each person contributes in their own way. Witnessing the growing involvement of employees every day is really motivating."

Petzl is continuously working to accelerate positive change within our company. Recently, Petzl headquarters welcomed over thirty stakeholders from OSV (Outdoor Sports Valley), a network of companies committed to supporting recreation, developing the outdoor industry economy, and preserving natural spaces. The goal was to discuss the environmental footprint of products in the outdoor industry, with topics ranging from regulations, measuring and reporting on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and collectively engaging outdoor brands in zero carbon initiatives.