SASEM, the Sustainability Alliance of Sport Equipment Manufacturers, brings together manufacturers, researchers, recyclers and technology providers to develop joint solutions for a circular sports industry. From return systems and new materials to funding initiatives, the alliance drives progress on key sustainability challenges.
With the launch of SASEM in fall 2025, we at CU have clearly struck a nerve in the sports industry. Although still in its early days, the alliance already unites around 40 participants from seven countries. At present, the alliance is tackling one of the industry’s toughest hurdles: How does an end-of-life product make its way from the consumer to the retailer, back to the manufacturer, and ultimately to a local recycler who can return its materials to the loop? What sounds like a logistics question is indeed a puzzle of responsibility, incentives, and system design. SASEM brings together stakeholders who rarely sit at the same table.
Several times a year, members meet online for project-focused workshops. In November 2026, the first full-day SASEM Summit will take place on the premises of a member company. Alongside exchange and networking, technological innovations and new solution approaches will be in the spotlight.
Team work: At SASEM, manufacturer of cycling, skiing, boating, racket sports, and hockey equipment, research institutions, recyclers, and technology-driven solution providers are working together to bring end-of-life sports products back into the material cycle:
Another important key pillar of SASEM is funding projects. Under CU’s leadership, two proposals addressing core sustainability topics were submitted within the alliance’s first weeks – a clear signal that this initiative is here not just to talk, but to deliver. Renowned sports equipment manufacturers such as BMC, DT Swiss, Scott Sports, Head, Atomic, and Leki have already joined the alliance – if you are also interested, please feel free to contact us!
Contact:
Theo Sandu
Managing Director Composites United Switzerland
theo.sandu@composites-united.com
+41 (0) 52 520 74 07
