ZAG UBAC 95 Touring Ski Goes Bio-Based with Sicomin SR GreenPoxy80

Why It Matters

The partnership demonstrates that high‑performance composite sports equipment can adopt bio‑based resins without sacrificing durability, signaling a broader shift toward lower‑carbon manufacturing in the composites sector.

Key Takeaways

• 80% bio‑based epoxy used in UBAC 95 prototype.
• Resin meets industrial molding and impact performance standards.
• Ski aims 30% carbon footprint cut by 2030.
• Topsheet, base, sidewalls incorporate recycled or bio materials.
• Bio‑epoxy slated for commercial scale by 2030.

Pulse Analysis

The ski industry has long been a testing ground for advanced composites, yet its environmental impact remains significant. ZAG Skis’ decision to embed Sicomin’s SR GreenPoxy80—one of the highest‑bio‑content structural epoxies available—reflects a growing appetite for renewable chemistry that does not compromise strength or flexibility. By leveraging an 80% bio‑based resin, the UBAC 95 prototype reduces reliance on petroleum‑derived polymers while maintaining the high‑impact resistance required for backcountry touring.

Technical integration was the crux of the project. ZAG collaborated with Sicomin for over a decade, moving from the 35% bio‑based GreenPoxy33 to the current formulation. The new resin had to bond polyamide topsheets, ABS sidewalls and wooden cores, survive repeated flex cycles, and operate across extreme temperature swings—all within existing high‑volume molding processes. The pairing with the CMR‑free SZ 8525 Evo hardener ensured consistent cure times and mechanical performance, proving that bio‑based systems can meet industrial production constraints without costly retooling.

Looking ahead, the commercial rollout of SR GreenPoxy80 by 2030 could catalyse broader adoption across sectors such as aerospace, wind‑energy blades, and automotive interiors, where weight‑critical, high‑strength composites dominate. ZAG’s holistic approach—combining bio‑based resin with recycled core and sidewall materials—sets a benchmark for sustainable product design. As manufacturers chase carbon‑reduction targets, the success of this ski prototype may accelerate investment in renewable epoxy technologies, reshaping supply chains and driving industry‑wide emissions cuts.