Indoor climbing: a booming sport with an environmental challenge

Indoor climbing is experiencing remarkable growth in France. With nearly 2 million regular climbers, more than 170 private climbing gyms, and 1,600 clubs, the sport has become a major part of the outdoor and fitness landscape.

Yet behind this success lies a less visible reality: every year, more than 50 tonnes of climbing holds and volumes are discarded.

Made from composite materials such as polyurethane, polyester, fiberglass, and wood, these products remain extremely difficult to recycle. As a result, a large proportion ends up being incinerated or sent to landfill, generating a significant carbon footprint.

In this context, the continued cycle of producing and replacing equipment raises an important question: how can we balance performance, innovation, and environmental responsibility?

Refurbishing instead of replacing: a shift in mindset

At Origin 96, we have chosen a different path. Our commitment starts with manufacturing exclusively in PE, a more durable material, but it goes much further than that.

Rather than viewing a worn climbing hold as waste, we see it as a valuable technical resource that still has plenty to offer.

This is the philosophy behind Eco Climb'In, our refurbishment program:

• extend the lifespan of climbing holds and volumes
• drastically reduce waste
• maintain a high level of performance

Climbing hold refurbishment is fully aligned with the principles of a circular economy applied to the indoor climbing industry.

A proven technical process at the heart of our workshop

In our workshop, every hold goes through a carefully controlled process that combines craftsmanship with technical expertise. Thanks to our know-how and dedicated facilities, we are able to refurbish large volumes of climbing holds, macros, and volumes, while giving individual attention to every single piece.

1. Inspection and selection

Each product is treated with the same level of care and quality standards, regardless of its size or condition, ensuring reliable and consistent results throughout the refurbishment process.

2. Repair and Surface Preparation

Screw holes, imperfections, and damaged areas are repaired and filled. The surface is then sanded to restore a clean and sound base before the next stages of the process.

3. Retexturing

A new resin coating is applied, followed by a carefully selected abrasive mineral to recreate a consistent, durable texture that delivers reliable grip.

4. Recoloring

A colored resin finish is applied to give the hold a fresh visual identity, using standard RAL color references.

The Result

A climbing hold or volume that regains:

• optimal grip and performance
• a fresh, vibrant appearance
• enhanced durability

proche représente aujourd’hui l’un des leviers les plus concrets pour réduire les déchets et l'extraction du pétrole.

A new way to manage your hold inventory

Today, the question is no longer whether to choose new or refurbished holds. The real strategy is finding the right balance:

• refurbish large holds and high-value volumes
• invest in new products to keep your setting fresh and attractive, while using smaller new holds to fill and refresh wall sections

This approach allows climbing gyms to balance three key objectives: maintaining an attractive climbing experience, controlling operating costs, and staying true to their environmental commitments.

Origin 96: manufacturing differently, climbing differently

With Eco Climb'In, refurbishment is fully integrated into our production ecosystem. We chose to build a 100% PE brand primarily because of the durability of this material, helping to reduce the need for new hold production and the waste that comes with it. It also helps climbing gyms lower the costs associated with regularly renewing their hold inventory.

Naturally, Eco Climb'In's mission aligns perfectly with the values that drive our brand: the same workshop, the same standards, the same passion for climbing holds, and the same vision—to keep things simple, do things well, and stay authentic... this time by making the most of what already exists.

Choosing a different path does not mean sacrificing performance. It means embracing a smarter, more sustainable approach to climbing—one that is firmly focused on the future.

How does the process work in practice?

Do you have climbing holds or volumes that need refurbishing? Simply set them aside and sort them by size:

Climbing Holds

• S to L: under 20 cm
• XL: under 30 cm
• XXL: under 50 cm
• XXXL: under 80 cm
• Mega: under 120 cm

Wooden Volumes

Classify volumes according to their longest side:

• XS: under 30 cm
• S: under 40 cm
• M: under 70 cm
• L: under 110 cm

Please let us know the size breakdown of the holds and volumes you would like to refurbish, whether screw-hole filling is required, and whether the products feature dual-texture surfaces.

We will then provide you with a personalized quotation.

If you decide to proceed, simply ship the items to us and write the desired final color on the back of each piece using a permanent marker.

We will take care of giving them a second life—and we'll even cover the return shipping!

For more information, visit:

https://www.eco-climbin.com/

Or contact us directly:

Phone: +33 6 59 58 81 63
Email: contact@eco-climbin.com