Choosing to Return to Our Roots

“At a time when many manufacturers are switching materials, we have chosen to remain loyal to the one that shaped the very first climbing holds: polyester (PE).”

This historic material, proven over decades, offers strength, cost-efficiency and a feel close to natural rock — while delivering one of the best environmental life-cycle balances in its category. This choice is not about nostalgia; it is fully aligned with our values. Keep it simple, do it right, at the right price.

PE, the Historic Material of Climbing

Before climbing walls were covered with thousands of colorful shapes made from polyurethane, fiberglass or wood fiber, the first holds were shaped from polyester — PE.
 

Both robust and precise, this material supported the early days of indoor climbing and helped train generations of climbers.
 

Proven over decades, PE has demonstrated its reliability and long-term durability — qualities that made it a benchmark for both manufacturers and route setters.
 

Unlike more recent resins such as polyurethane (PU) or fiberglass, PE retains that “true” feel — slightly granular, reminiscent of natural rock. It is this authenticity, both sensory and symbolic, that makes polyester much more than just a material: it is a direct link to the origins of climbing.

“We are not reinventing climbing; we are reconnecting with what made it authentic.
The early shapers crafted holds the way they climbed — with heart, patience and respect for the rock.
That is the direction we have chosen.» Stéphane Dugit.

Holds that are strong and built to last

Polyester (PE) has been recognized for decades for its unmatched durability. It is a material that does not compromise — just as rock has never lied. It withstands thousands of ascents, day after day, without losing its texture or its original shape.

Designed to last, PE holds can be reused across hundreds of different routes without any loss in quality or feel. Their resistance to wear allows route setters to reset, move and redesign climbs endlessly, while maintaining the same reliability on the wall — where other materials may smooth out, wear down, scratch or fade over time.

PE resists heat, humidity and repeated impacts, making it an ideal choice for intensive use in climbing gyms as well as in sheltered outdoor environments.

It’s this long-term stability that built its reputation and continues to make it a trusted ally for professionals and passionate climbers alike.

At Origin 96, durability is not just another selling point — it is a founding value. Our holds are designed to last, to evolve from route to route, and to deliver the same climbing pleasure season after season.

A more responsible environmental impact

Choosing polyester (PE) also means choosing a more responsible material.

Unlike other resins used in the climbing hold industry, PE offers a more favorable carbon footprint across its entire life cycle. Its production supports a significantly longer lifespan, naturally reducing energy use, waste and overall environmental impact.

Because a durable hold is one that needs replacing less often, every Origin 96 product helps limit transportation, raw material consumption and waste associated with frequent renewal. It’s a common-sense approach, true to our philosophy: keep it simple, do it right, make it last.

Our holds are manufactured in France within a short supply chain model, further reducing the distance traveled between production and climbing gyms across France and Europe.

PE therefore stands out as a coherent choice: it combines performance, longevity and environmental responsibility — without compromising on feel or quality.

A reliable and cost-effective material

Beyond its strength, polyester (PE) also stands out for its industrial reliability.
Its well-controlled manufacturing process ensures smooth, stable and precise production. This efficiency — combined with a very limited number of intermediaries — translates directly into fair pricing, designed to remain accessible to all persons in the climbing community, from independent gyms to schools and climbing clubs.

Every euro invested has meaning: it supports local expertise, responsible production and true durability.

This choice reflects sound industrial common sense — producing well, producing fairly, without excess — in line with our values of efficiency and fairness.
A simple, transparent and sustainable model, just like the holds we shape.

A feel close to natural rock

Climbing is, above all, a matter of sensation.
It is the direct contact between hand and material — the subtle dialogue between skin, texture and movement.

Polyester (PE) stands out precisely for this authentic texture, slightly granular and pleasant under the fingers, reminiscent of natural rock.

This living grain — neither too smooth nor too aggressive — provides just the right amount of friction: the kind that allows you to climb longer, trust your movement, and reconnect with the sensations of real rock, even on an artificial wall.

It is this direct link with nature that makes PE a material apart. It does not try to imitate the real thing — it extends it

In short, we’re proud of our PE holds

At Origin 96, remaining committed to polyester (PE) is not a matter of habit — it is a matter of conviction.
It reflects our determination to preserve craftsmanship, technical standards and an authentic relationship with climbing.

Since the beginning, we have believed that a good hold is defined by its simplicity, its durability and the pleasure it gives to the climber — without shortcuts or artificiality.

By choosing PE, we carry forward the legacy of climbing’s pioneers, those who shaped their holds with passion and common sense.

It is a return to the roots — to a time when climbing was about movement, sensation and the pure joy of rock. It is also our way of thinking about everyone who needs quality holds at a fair price.

Today, we continue to uphold that spirit:
keep it simple, do it right, make it last — and stay close to those who bring climbing to life every day.

Because at Origin 96, true modernity means continuing to climb the way it was meant to be — with authenticity, respect and high standards.