The European Union is pursuing a very ambitious climate action policy and has put in place a regulatory framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The legislation to implement this target consists of various regulations and directives, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The question is, how will this affect trampoline production?
While the countries of the European Union have significantly reduced the amount of domestic greenhouse gas emissions from their own production, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from imports is increasing significantly.
It’s clear that this way of doing business undermines the European Union's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in global terms.
CBAM – an effective measure against carbon leakage
In April 2023, the European Union formally adopted the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), one of the key elements of the EU's Fit for 55 package, the main objective of which is to reduce net CO2 emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
The main objective of the CBAM is to prevent carbon leakage, which most often occurs when companies in different sectors of the economy, including trampoline manufacturers, relocate production to other countries with less stringent environmental policies. It will also help to prevent the import of carbon-intensive products, which companies use to replace equivalent products that are less harmful to the environment. The CBAM is also expected to contribute to the decarbonization of third countries.
Promoting the reduction of CO2 emissions in the European production of materials
It’s important to stress that CBAM not only protects the environment but also encourages the European production of materials, components, and products. This does not mean that the CBAM restricts the import of products and services from other parts of the world, but instead, it prevents European manufacturers from ordering carbon-intensive products from outside the EU, where the environmental requirements are less stringent. This could increase the carbon footprint resulting from additional transport and undermine Europe's environmental objectives.
Trampoline manufacturers and CBAM
In the trampoline industry, Europe is already known for its extremely high technical standards, as well as standards to protect human health and the environment. All quality trampoline manufacturers are committed to the stringent REACH regulation, which restricts the use of 72 hazardous substances and chemicals in their materials, but much more will need to be done to protect our planet.
Among other things, the introduction of the CBAM will require all trampoline and trampoline park manufacturers in the EU to regularly report on the emission values of their goods. In addition, trampoline manufacturers importing carbon-intensive materials from third countries will pay an additional environmental tax.
This will force many trampoline manufacturers to change their manufacturing processes. The CBAM prevents:
- trampoline manufacturers from using carbon-intensive materials and components made outside the EU, where the environmental requirements are not as stringent,
- the carbon footprint from further increasing due to the use of additional transport.
Akrobat is also helping to save our planet
Akrobat is also committed to the CBAM regulation, as one of the leaders in the manufacture of trampoline parks and all types of trampolines for use at home, in public spaces, and by athletes. Through the regulation, the company is further pursuing its environmental goals and striving to contribute to a better future for our children.
Akrobat trampolines are made from certified materials of the highest quality, sourced solely in the EU, and the entire design is carried out exclusively in Slovenia. By using European materials we ensure the high quality of our products, while at the same time avoiding carbon-intensive production and thus a high carbon footprint.
Although we are aware that such production has higher costs, it’s the only way to reduce greenhouse gases and produce products that are better for both people and the environment. All materials are tested and UV-resistant, as well as harmless to humans and animals. To further protect our planet, Akrobat trampolines are durable and 95% recyclable.
At Akrobat, we believe that fun can also contribute to a sustainable future. With our trampolines, all manufactured to the highest environmental standards, we want to enable children and adults to enjoy an active lifestyle without hurting the planet. Our trampolines are thus made sustainably and safely, with the aim that generations to come will also be able to have fun on a clean and healthy planet.
