Velor Cycling: a measurable commitment to the circular economy

"We exist to make the cycling industry circular"

Although environmental labelling is not yet mandatory, it is currently in the experimental phase. Companies are encouraged to use Ecobalyse to test this first-level display and begin their transition to more sustainable production models.  Ecobalyse is in the roll-out phase in France, with a gradual implementation planned for 2025.

Faced with the environmental emergency and the challenges posed by the textile industry, Velor Cycling is actively committed to the ecological transition in Europe with innovative circular products. In the context of a new Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy (AGEC), adopted in France in 2020, the brand created by 2 French people and a former Tour de France rider has arrived on the French market since September 2024.

The founders' desire is to participate in initiating the transformation of production and consumption models to limit waste and preserve natural resources. 

"Our journey starts with recycled materials and a commitment to local production whenever possible. From there, we push further, striving to make our cycling apparel fully circular. Today, 90 to 95% of each outfit is crafted from recyclable materials. Thanks to a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), we know that a Velor jersey emits just 1.3 kg of CO₂, around 60% less than a conventional cycling jersey made from virgin synthetic fibers.»

Florian Jardin, co-founder of Velor

Following its success in the Netherlands, Velor team decided to recruit a team in France to offer the means to the country's cyclists to equip themselves with quality outfits while minimizing their carbon footprint. This responsible purchase is first and foremost encouraged by Velor's first French ambassador: the France cycling champion of 2018, Anthony Roux.

In this dynamic, the French government has introduced the Ecobalyse, a tool to measure and display the ecological footprint of clothing, thus offering consumers increased transparency on the environmental impact of their purchases.

This is the subject that Félicitas Pellengah, a physics researcher specializing in bioplastics, is working on. She chose Velor to conduct her studies on the circularity of textiles.

The measurement of the circularity index (MCI) was carried out by Félicitas Pellengahr; Researcher at Maastricht University

Velor is fully in line with this recycling approach initiated by the government by offering 100% recycled and circular cycling outfits, in particular with its circular jersey. Among its commitments, the brand has decided to make the transparency of its industrial processes a priority. To do this, the choice of its partners is made on the basis of the Circularity Index of Materials Used (MCI). Under the rigorous and delicate eye of the Maastricht University researcher who is carrying out the calculations, Velor has succeeded in the challenge of setting up a 100% circular production chain. This is a perfect illustration of Velor's commitment to significantly reducing the environmental footprint of the cycling textile industry. In its new 2025 collection, Velor clearly shows its desire to participate in the recycling of textiles and plastics, and this is reflected in its new design.

Strategic collaborations for a circular economy

Velor works with key players to transform the industry. In a circular logic with low CO2 emissions, the brand selects its partners in Europe.

These include:

• GR3N: This Swiss company uses an innovative PET depolymerization process to recycle used jerseys into high-quality raw materials, creating a closed loop.
• Tuvalum: Is a Spanish platform dedicated to refurbished bicycles, Tuvalum encourages reuse and sustainability, while offering benefits to cyclists recycling their equipment.
• SEAQUAL INITIATIVE: The Spanish company transforms marine plastic waste into recycled polyester fibers, integrated into Velor clothing.
• Hipli: The company provides reusable packages to reduce packaging waste in e-commerce, including Velor shipments.
• Poco Loco: The association offers low-carbon bikepacking trips. Its mission is to promote environmentally friendly cycling.
• Anthony Roux: The 2018 Cycling France Champion is leading the #monparcourspropre initiative to clean up cycling paths in collaboration with Velor.

The circular jersey: a pioneering innovation

A pioneer in the field, Velor has developed the first 100% circular cycling jersey, designed entirely from recycled jerseys. The process begins with the collection of used jerseys, which are then broken down into their basic components using GR3N technology. The reclaimed polyester is transformed into high-quality yarn to produce new performance jerseys. This innovation significantly reduces the ecological footprint, while guaranteeing the performance expected by demanding cyclists..