During the Alpine Ski World Cup in Åre, on March 12–15, organizers are taking a concrete step toward more sustainable waste management. In collaboration with the Swedish innovation company Grale, conventional plastic waste bags will be replaced with biodegradable, microplastic-free bags made from renewable resources.
When the world’s best alpine skiers gather in Åre in March, it’s not just the competitions that are on the agenda. During the World Cup Weekend in Åre, solutions that can help make the event more sustainable are tested and made visible. Winter sports depend directly on stable winters and reliable snow conditions. Through the collaboration between Grale and Svenska Skidförbundet Events AB, organizer of the World Cup Weekend in Åre, microplastic-free waste bags are now being used in a World Cup setting. It is a small but symbolic step that shows how even everyday products can play a role in reducing the climate footprint of major events.
When regular plastic breaks down through wear, sunlight and other processes, extremely small plastic particles, called microplastics, are formed. These can be spread in air, water and soil, and research has already shown microplastics in nature and in the human body. Grale is working to replace fossil-based plastic and contribute to a transition towards solutions that do not leave microplastics behind.
A new generation of waste bags – without fossil-based plastic
Grale’s waste bags are developed in Sweden and manufactured in Europe. Made from renewable resources such as agricultural waste, wood fiber, and vegetable oil, they offer an alternative to conventional plastic bags. Unlike traditional plastic, they are designed to break down naturally without leaving microplastics behind.
“Sport has a unique ability to inspire change. By using Grale’s waste bags during the World Cup Weekend in Åre, we want to show that better alternatives exist – and that even everyday products can play a role in protecting the future of winter sports.”
– Allen, CEO, Grale
“As event organizers, we must take responsibility for the impact our events have. Together with Grale, we have made a conscious decision to reduce plastic use and help prevent microplastic pollution during the World Cup Weekend in Åre. We see this as an important first step toward more sustainable events and as a way to help protect the winter environments that winter sports depend on.”
– Olle Danielsson Klippinge, CEO, Svenska Skidförbundet Events AB.
Why Grale’s waste bags are different
- Designed to disappear – Breaks down naturally without leaving microplastics behind
- Plant-based materials – Made from renewable resources
- Invented for circularity – Certified for home composting
About Grale
Grale is a Swedish technology platform developing plant-based innovations that replace plastic. The company’s mission is to eliminate microplastics through scalable solutions and thereby prevent the environmental and health damage caused by microplastics to people, animals, and ecosystems.
