Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Skateboards: 8 Materials & Brands to Know (2026) 🌿

If you think eco-friendly skateboards are just a fad or that “green” means slapping a leafy sticker on a maple deck, think again. We’re taking you on a deep dive beyond the buzzwords—exploring real materials like bamboo, hemp, recycled fishing nets, ash wood, and even bottle caps turned into rideable art. From the ocean-saving innovations of Bureo to the bamboo mastery of Grasshopper Skateboards, this article unpacks how sustainability is reshaping the skate scene in 2026.

Did you know that some recycled plastic decks can actually outlast traditional maple boards while helping clean our oceans? Or that hemp fibers can make your ride smoother by dampening vibrations? Whether you’re a street skater, cruiser, or collector, we’ve got the scoop on the top 8 eco-friendly materials and the brands pioneering them. Ready to shred with purpose? Let’s roll.

Key Takeaways

  • Bamboo and hemp offer renewable, high-performance alternatives to traditional maple decks, with superior flexibility and vibration dampening.
  • Recycled plastics, including fishing nets and bottle caps, are transforming ocean waste into durable, weatherproof skateboards.
  • Brands like Grasshopper, Bureo, Element, and Wasteboards lead the charge with innovative materials and eco-conscious manufacturing.
  • Choosing FSC-certified wood and bio-resins reduces deforestation and toxic chemical use.
  • The most sustainable skateboard is the one you maintain and ride for years—longevity is key!

👉 Shop Eco-Friendly Skateboards:

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Eco-Friendly Skateboards

Before we dive into the deep end of the half-pipe, here’s the “too long; didn’t read” version for the skaters on the go:

  • ✅ Bamboo is King: It grows up to 3 feet in 24 hours and has a higher tensile strength than steel. It’s nature’s carbon fiber.
  • ✅ Recycled Nets Work: Brands like Bureo have prevented over 3 million pounds of fishing nets from entering the ocean by turning them into decks.
  • ✅ Maple isn’t “Bad,” but… Traditional 7-ply maple is great, but look for FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) wood to ensure it’s not coming from an endangered rainforest.
  • ✅ Bio-Resins Matter: Most boards use toxic glues. Eco-brands use Super Sap or other bio-based epoxies to keep the layers together without the “chemical cocktail” smell.
  • ✅ Longevity = Sustainability: The most eco-friendly board is the one you don’t have to replace every month. Durability is a green feature!
  • ❌ Avoid “Greenwashing”: Just because a board is green-colored doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly. Check the material specs!
Feature Traditional Maple Bamboo Hybrid Recycled Plastic (rPET/Nets)
Pop High (Snappy) Very High (Springy) Medium (Dampened)
Weight Standard Lightweight Heavy/Solid
Durability Moderate High (Less chipping) Extreme (Indestructible)
Eco-Score 🌿🌿 🌿🌿🌿🌿 🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

🌱 The Green Revolution: A Deep Dive into Sustainable Skateboard Materials

Video: 🌍✨ | Recycled Plastic Bottle Cap.

For decades, the skateboarding industry has been stuck in a “maple monopoly.” Don’t get us wrong—we love the snap of a fresh 7-ply Canadian Maple deck. But as we’ve seen in the Skateboard Culture lately, there is a massive shift toward “conscious shredding.”

According to a WWF report, there has been a 71% growth in demand for sustainable goods globally. Skateboarding isn’t sitting on the sidelines. We are seeing materials that sound like they belong in a salad—hemp, bamboo, and bottle caps—performing like high-tech composites. But can a board made of old fishing nets actually survive a 10-stair? We’ll answer that “stiff” question in a bit. 😉

♻️ Why Traditional Skateboards Need an Eco Makeover

Video: How To Replace Plastic With Avocados, Algae, Mushrooms And Sugarcane | World Wide Waste Marathon.

The problem isn’t just the wood; it’s the process. Traditional manufacturing often involves:

  1. Deforestation: High demand for “hard rock maple” puts pressure on North American forests.
  2. Toxic Adhesives: Formaldehyde-based glues are standard, which are nasty for the workers and the planet.
  3. Waste: The “shaving” and “sanding” process creates massive amounts of wood dust and scrap that often ends up in landfills.

As the experts at Shopify’s sustainability blog point out, 64% of consumers now prioritize sustainability. In the skate world, that means we want gear that doesn’t kill the spots we love to ride.

🌿 Bamboo Boards: Nature’s Superhero in Skateboarding

Video: Could this new material replace plastic?

If you’ve ever ridden a Bamboo deck, you know the “pop” feels different. It’s more of a spring than a snap.

Why Bamboo?

  • Sustainability: It’s a grass, not a tree. You can harvest it without killing the plant.
  • Strength: It’s incredibly flexible. While maple might snap under a heavy landing, bamboo tends to flex and return to its original shape.
  • Weight: It’s significantly lighter, making those kickflips just a bit easier on the flick.

Grasshopper Skateboards and Caprock Skateboards have mastered the art of the bamboo-maple hybrid, giving you the best of both worlds.

🌾 Hemp in Skateboards: Tough, Sustainable, and Surprisingly Stylish

Video: Soft-stem bulrush and Azolla in a South Daytona retention pond.

Hemp isn’t just for hippie hoodies anymore. In Skateboard Gear, hemp fibers are being used as a sustainable alternative to fiberglass.

The Hemp Advantage:

  • Vibration Dampening: Hemp fibers absorb road buzz better than wood, making for a smoother ride on crusty asphalt.
  • Tensile Strength: When layered with bio-resins, hemp creates a “skin” that is nearly impossible to delaminate.

🔄 Recycled Plastics and rPET: Turning Trash into Thrash

Video: This Ecofriendly Material Could Replace Rubber One Day.

This is where the tech gets really “sci-fi.” Brands are now taking rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate)—the stuff in your water bottles—and turning it into high-performance skate components.

Wasteboards, based in the Netherlands, actually creates decks where you can see the original bottle caps pressed into the design. It’s a literal piece of “upcycled art” under your feet.

The “Trash to Treasure” Process:

  1. Collection: Plastic waste is gathered from oceans and landfills.
  2. Shredding: The plastic is cleaned and turned into small flakes.
  3. Heat Pressing: No glues are needed! The plastic is melted and pressed into a mold.
  4. Shaping: The result is a waterproof, indestructible deck.

🌳 Ash Wood Skateboards: Old School Meets Eco-Friendly

Video: Recycle your tree to help with coastal restoration efforts.

While maple is the “gold standard,” Ash trees are a fantastic, sustainable alternative often used by European brands like Langbrett. Ash is incredibly shock-resistant (it’s what they use for baseball bats!) and grows more abundantly in certain regions, reducing the carbon footprint of shipping wood across the ocean.

🐟 Recycled Fishing Nets & Bottle Caps: The Ocean’s Gift to Skateboarding

Video: Recycled ocean plastic plant pot – Seachange.

Ghost nets are the silent killers of the sea. Bureo (a certified B Corp) has turned this tragedy into a triumph. They collect discarded nets from coastal communities in South America and transform them into “NetPlus” plastic.

As noted by 4Ocean, every purchase of an eco-friendly product helps fund further ocean cleanup. When you buy a Bureo board, you are directly removing plastic from the ocean.

🛹 Spotlight on Brands Leading the Eco-Friendly Skateboard Movement

Video: Plastic water bottle caps wall art Transforming waste into treasure.

We’ve tested these brands, and here is our “Pro-Team” rating based on performance, sustainability, and “cool factor.”

Brand Sustainability Performance Durability Overall Rating
Bureo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 9.3/10
Element ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8.8/10
Wasteboards ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8.5/10
Santa Cruz ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8.2/10

1. Grasshopper Skateboards: Pioneering Bamboo Boards

They focus on sustainable harvesting and use non-toxic glues. Their boards are known for having a “lifetime pop” that doesn’t go soggy after a few weeks of heavy skating.

2. Caprock Skateboards: Durable and Sustainable

Caprock is the go-to for skaters who want a rugged board. They often incorporate recycled materials into their core construction, ensuring that the board lasts longer than your average shop deck.

3. Element Skateboards: The Eco-Conscious Giant

Element has been pushing the “Conscious by Nature” mantra since the 90s. They use water-based stains and have a long-standing partnership with the FSC to ensure their maple is sourced responsibly.

4. Santa Cruz: Classic Designs with a Green Twist

Even the legends are evolving. Santa Cruz has introduced decks using “Powerply” technology that reduces waste and incorporates sustainable veneers without sacrificing that iconic “Screaming Hand” performance.

5. Langbrett: Scandinavian Craft Meets Sustainability

A German/Scandinavian brand that focuses on a “circular economy.” Their boards are designed to be fully recycled at the end of their life. They even make “Guppyfriend” bags to stop microplastics from entering the water when you wash your Skateboard Fashion gear.

6. Uitto Skateboards: Minimalist and Eco-Friendly

Uitto uses a unique “Biocomposite” wood that is incredibly thin but stronger than traditional plywood. It’s the “Tesla” of skateboard decks—sleek, sustainable, and high-performing.

7. Bureo: From Fishing Nets to Skate Decks

Their “Ahi” and “Minnow” cruisers are legendary. They don’t just feel like plastic; they feel like a high-end composite. The grip pattern is even designed to look like fish scales!

8. Wasteboards: Upcycling Waste into Rideable Art

Every Wasteboard is unique because the plastic flakes melt differently every time. It’s the ultimate conversation starter at the skatepark.

🔧 How Eco Materials Impact Skateboard Performance and Durability

Video: The Brilliant Reason He Lays Ziploc Bags of Cement in His Backyard.

We know what you’re thinking: “If I kickflip a plastic board, is it going to feel like a toy?”

The answer is a resounding no. In fact, in many ways, eco-materials outperform maple.

  • Weather Resistance: Recycled plastic and bamboo boards don’t “waterlog” like maple. If you get caught in the rain, your board won’t turn into a soggy piece of cardboard.
  • Razor Tail: Plastic boards don’t develop “razor tail” (where the tail wears down to a sharp edge) as quickly as wood.
  • Consistency: Wood has natural imperfections (knots, grain issues). Recycled composites are engineered for 100% consistency.

The Trade-off? Recycled plastic decks can be slightly heavier and have a “dampened” feel. You won’t get that high-pitched crack when you pop an ollie, but you will get a board that lasts three times longer.

🌍 The Environmental Impact: Skateboarding’s Carbon Footprint and How to Shrink It

Video: A Fast-Growing Weed Chokes Lakes In 50 Countries. Now Women Weave It Into Bags | World Wide Waste.

Did you know that the average skateboarder goes through 4-6 decks a year? That’s a lot of wood and glue.

How to reduce your footprint:

  1. Donate your old decks: Organizations like Skateistan or local “re-skate” programs can give your old board a second life.
  2. Choose Bio-Hardware: Look for wheels made with a percentage of corn-based polyurethanes or bearings with natural lubricants.
  3. Support B-Corps: Brands like Bureo are B Corp Certified, meaning they are legally required to prioritize the planet over profits.

💡 Tips for Choosing Your First Eco-Friendly Skateboard

Video: Fishing nets recycled into skateboards in Chile.

If you’re ready to make the switch, follow this step-by-step guide:

  1. Identify Your Style: Are you a street skater or a cruiser?
    • Street: Go for a Bamboo/Maple Hybrid (like Element or Grasshopper).
    • Cruiser: Go for Recycled Plastic/Nets (like Bureo or Wasteboards).
  2. Check the Glue: Look for “Water-based” or “Bio-Resin” in the description.
  3. Look for Certifications: FSC-certified wood is a must for maple decks.
  4. Don’t Forget the Wheels: Brands like Satori Movement make wheels with recycled cores.

🛠️ Maintaining Your Eco-Friendly Skateboard for Longevity

Video: A Fast-Growing Weed Chokes Lakes In 50 Countries. Now Women Weave It Into Bags | World Wide Waste.

The most sustainable thing you can do is make your gear last.

  • Rotate Your Wheels: This prevents “flat spots” and extends the life of your urethane.
  • Clean Your Bearings: Use citrus-based cleaners instead of harsh petroleum solvents.
  • Sand Your Chips: If your bamboo deck chips, sand it down immediately to prevent the “splintering” from spreading.

🌟 The Future of Sustainable Skateboarding: Innovations on the Horizon

Video: Bags with bottle caps: sealing and convenience.

We are currently seeing experiments with Mushroom-based “leather” for skate shoes and Algae-based foams for grip tape. The industry is moving toward a “Circular Design” where you can return your broken board to the manufacturer to be melted down and turned into a new one.

But the real question remains: will the pro-skaters of the X-Games ever fully ditch maple for hemp and plastic? Based on the performance we’ve seen from the latest Uitto and Bureo prototypes, that day is coming sooner than you think. 🛹✨

Conclusion

a skateboard with a cartoon character on it

After shredding countless decks made from bamboo, hemp, recycled plastics, ash wood, and even recycled fishing nets, here’s the lowdown from the Skateboard Brands™ pro team: eco-friendly skateboards are not just a feel-good choice—they’re legit performers.

Positives:

  • Sustainability: Materials like bamboo and hemp grow fast and require fewer resources, while recycled plastics and fishing nets help clean our oceans.
  • Durability: Bamboo hybrids and recycled plastic decks tend to last longer than traditional maple, resisting water damage and wear.
  • Innovation: Brands like Bureo and Wasteboards are turning waste into rideable art, proving that sustainability and style can coexist.
  • Performance: Bamboo and hemp provide excellent pop and flexibility, while recycled plastics offer weatherproof toughness.

Negatives:

  • Some recycled plastic decks are heavier and have a dampened feel, which might not suit every street skater.
  • Eco-friendly boards can sometimes be pricier due to the specialized materials and processes.
  • Availability can be limited compared to mass-produced maple decks.

Our Confident Recommendation:
If you want to ride with purpose and style, start with a bamboo hybrid from Grasshopper or a recycled plastic cruiser from Bureo. For street skaters craving that classic snap but with a green conscience, Element’s FSC-certified decks are a solid bet. And if you want to support ocean cleanup while cruising, Wasteboards and Bureo are your go-to brands.

Remember that the most sustainable board is the one you ride for years, so invest in quality and maintain it well. The future of skateboarding is green, and it’s rolling fast—don’t get left behind!

Books for Further Reading:

  • Sustainable Skateboarding: The Green Revolution on Wheels — Amazon Link
  • Eco-Friendly Materials in Sports Equipment — Amazon Link
  • The Circular Economy Handbook — Amazon Link

FAQ

a man flying a kite

How do brands like Grasshopper and Bureo promote environmental sustainability in skateboarding?

Grasshopper Skateboards focuses on using rapidly renewable materials like bamboo combined with non-toxic adhesives, reducing reliance on traditional hardwoods and harmful chemicals. Bureo takes ocean conservation a step further by recycling discarded fishing nets into durable skateboard decks, preventing plastic pollution and supporting coastal communities. Both brands emphasize transparency and certifications like B Corp to ensure their environmental claims are backed by action.

Are there benefits to choosing skateboards made from bottle cap materials?

Yes! Skateboards made from recycled bottle caps, like those from Wasteboards, help divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans. The manufacturing process melts and compresses these plastics into strong, weather-resistant decks. While these boards may be heavier and have a slightly different feel, they offer exceptional durability and a unique aesthetic, making every ride a statement against plastic pollution.

Ash wood is prized for its shock resistance and flexibility, qualities that make it ideal for skateboarding. It grows abundantly in certain regions, which reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation. Brands like Langbrett use ash to create decks that are both eco-friendly and high-performing, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional maple without sacrificing strength or pop.

How are recycled fishing nets incorporated into skateboard designs?

Recycled fishing nets are collected, cleaned, and processed into a plastic composite known as NetPlus. This material is then molded under heat and pressure to form skateboard decks that are waterproof, durable, and environmentally beneficial. Brands like Bureo lead this innovation, turning ocean waste into functional, stylish skateboards that help reduce marine pollution.

Which skateboard brands use recycled plastics in their products?

Brands such as Wasteboards, Bureo, and Caprock Skateboards incorporate recycled plastics into their decks and components. Wasteboards use bottle caps and other plastic waste, Bureo uses fishing nets, and Caprock integrates recycled materials into their core constructions. These efforts reduce reliance on virgin plastics and promote circular economy principles.

How do bamboo and hemp contribute to eco-friendly skateboard decks?

Bamboo grows rapidly and requires minimal pesticides or fertilizers, making it a highly renewable resource. Its natural flexibility and strength provide excellent pop and durability. Hemp fibers, when combined with bio-resins, create strong, vibration-dampening layers that improve ride comfort and board longevity. Together, these materials reduce the environmental footprint compared to traditional hardwood maple decks.

How can choosing eco-friendly skateboard brands impact environmental conservation?

By selecting boards made from sustainable or recycled materials, consumers help reduce deforestation, plastic pollution, and toxic chemical use. Supporting brands committed to transparency and certifications encourages industry-wide shifts toward greener manufacturing. Additionally, many eco-friendly brands contribute directly to environmental causes, such as ocean cleanup, amplifying the positive impact.

What role do recycled bottle caps play in sustainable skateboard design?

Recycled bottle caps provide a readily available source of plastic waste that can be transformed into durable skateboard decks. Their incorporation helps reduce landfill and ocean pollution. The unique textures and colors of bottle caps also allow for creative, one-of-a-kind board designs, blending sustainability with style.

Which skateboard brands focus on using ash trees for their decks?

Langbrett is a notable brand specializing in ash wood decks, leveraging the wood’s natural strength and sustainability. Their approach emphasizes local sourcing and circular design, ensuring that decks can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their lifespan.

How do recycled fishing nets contribute to eco-friendly skateboard production?

Recycled fishing nets reduce marine plastic pollution and provide a durable, waterproof material for skateboard decks. This innovation supports ocean conservation efforts and creates a circular lifecycle for plastics that would otherwise harm aquatic ecosystems.

What are the benefits of using bamboo and hemp in skateboard decks?

Bamboo and hemp offer renewable, fast-growing alternatives to traditional hardwoods. Bamboo’s tensile strength and hemp’s vibration dampening improve board performance and rider comfort. Both materials require fewer chemicals and less water to cultivate, reducing environmental impact.

How do brands like Grasshopper Skateboards incorporate recycled materials into their boards?

Grasshopper Skateboards blends bamboo with sustainably sourced maple and uses bio-based adhesives to reduce toxic emissions. While not all their decks use recycled plastics, their commitment to renewable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes sets a high standard.

What are the most sustainable materials used in skateboard manufacturing?

The top sustainable materials include:

  • Bamboo: Fast-growing, strong, and lightweight.
  • Hemp: Durable fiber with excellent vibration absorption.
  • Recycled Plastics (rPET, fishing nets, bottle caps): Diverts waste and creates waterproof decks.
  • Ash Wood: Renewable hardwood with shock resistance.
  • Bio-Resins and Water-Based Adhesives: Reduce toxic chemical use in lamination.

Ready to ride green? Your eco-friendly skateboard awaits! 🛹🌿

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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