Skateboarding is about freedom, fun, and pushing our limits—so why not make our boards better for the planet, too? Choosing eco-friendly grip tape helps us reduce waste and support brands that care about the environment. With more options than ever, it’s easier to find grip tape that performs well and leaves a lighter footprint.
We don’t have to give up performance or style to make greener choices. Here, we’ll dig into what makes grip tape eco-friendly and how to spot solid options for your outdoor setup. Let’s roll into better habits together.
Key Takeaways
- Eco-friendly grip tape uses safer materials and better production methods.
- Sustainable grip tape can be strong and last a long time.
- Knowing what to look for helps us pick genuine green products.
What Makes Grip Tape Eco-Friendly?
When we shop for grip tape that's better for the planet, we want to know exactly what's in it and how it breaks down over time. These factors matter for our boards, and for the world around us.
Materials Derived From Sustainable Sources
Eco-friendly grip tape often uses materials like recycled paper, cork, or hemp. Some brands even swap out traditional synthetic grit for natural minerals or sand. This is good news, since making these materials usually takes less energy and generates less waste.
Many of us may overlook where our grip tape comes from, but it's worth checking if companies use post-consumer recycled fiber or renewable resources. If the tape is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified or uses upcycled sources, we know forests aren’t being damaged for our boards.
Quick facts:
- Natural fibers = Less plastic
- Recycled content = Less landfill
- FSC or similar labels = Better forestry practices
Choosing grip tape with sustainable origins means we’re not just skating for fun, but also keeping future outdoor spots clean and green.
Non-Toxic Adhesives and Inks
Adhesives stick our grip tape to the deck, but traditional glues often have harmful chemicals. Eco-friendly options skip things like formaldehyde and heavy solvents. These can release fumes that are bad for us and the air.
It’s worth checking that the tape uses water-based or plant-based glues. Inks used for prints and logos are important, too. Companies making eco grip tape usually pick non-toxic, soy, or vegetable inks instead of petroleum-based ones.
Look for:
- “Low-VOC” or “no-VOC” adhesives
- Water- or soy-based inks
- Certifications on packaging for non-toxicity
That’s something we can feel good about when we’re gripping our boards—no nasty chemicals close to our skin or leaching into the environment.
Compostable or Biodegradable Options
Some grip tape brands are pushing even further by offering compostable or biodegradable products. Traditional grip tape usually sits in the landfill for decades, but these new tapes can break down much faster.
They might use PLA (a plant-based plastic), bio-resins, or other specialty materials that decay under the right conditions. This means that after we’re done with our boards, what’s left is a lot easier for the earth to reclaim.
Compostable grip tape usually means:
- It meets standards like EN 13432 or ASTM D6400
- It doesn’t leave toxic traces after breaking down
- We can sometimes compost the tape at home, but industrial composting is often best
Switching to compostable options helps us skate with less waste and more peace of mind.
Top Sustainable Grip Tape Materials
Eco-friendly grip tape is getting a lot better. Today, we have strong options that use recycled materials and plants while avoiding toxic chemicals. Let’s see what’s actually sustainable and where the real improvements are.
Recycled Grip Tape Options
Recycled grip tape comes from things like old skateboards, used plastic bottles, or scrap rubber. Some brands collect leftover grit and layers from broken boards and turn them into fresh grip.
We get the same gritty surface without so much waste. A few companies use post-consumer plastics, which keeps trash out of landfills. This protects the planet and cuts down on the energy needed to make new tape.
Benefits:
- Less landfill waste
- Retains regular grip texture
- Reduces use of new raw materials
Just watch for products that share exactly how much of the material is actually recycled. Some only use it in the backing, not the full grip layer.
Natural Fiber-Based Grip Tapes
Natural fiber-based grip tapes use plants instead of synthetic materials. We can find options made from hemp, jute, cork, or bamboo, which grow quickly and need fewer chemicals to produce.
These plant fibers are woven or pressed together. We still get decent grip without using plastics. Hemp is a favorite because it’s tough and wears down slowly. Cork grip tape feels softer underfoot and can help with shock absorption.
Quick facts table:
| Fiber | Grip Level | Feel | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemp | High | Firm | Super tough |
| Cork | Medium | Softer, springy | Shock absorbing |
| Bamboo | Medium | Smooth, solid | Uses less water |
Some of these look a bit different than standard tape, but they still get the job done. Plus, we can compost some of these materials if we ever rip them off.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free Alternatives
For skaters who want zero animal products, several brands offer vegan grip tape. This means there are no animal glues, dyes, or waxes in the product. Most classic grip tape is already plant-based, but a few still use animal-based adhesives.
Brands label these tapes clearly. Vegan tapes often use plant resins or water-based glues. We can also find packaging that’s minimal or made from recycled content, reducing the entire product's footprint.
What to check for:
- No beeswax or shellac
- Adhesives listed as synthetic or plant-based
- Certified cruelty-free labels
Skating with vegan grip lets us shred concrete with a clear conscience—no animal testing, no surprises.
Environmental Impact of Conventional Grip Tape
Traditional grip tape can cause a range of environmental problems. The way it's made and thrown away can hurt both the planet and people who use it.
Waste and Landfill Considerations
Most grip tape is made from plastics like PVC or PET, along with sanding grit. These materials don’t break down quickly. When we toss old grip tape, it can sit in garbage dumps for decades. There, it takes up space and adds to the growing problem of plastic waste.
Even if we try to recycle our boards, grip tape is difficult to separate and rarely recycled. Once it peels off, we usually have no choice but to throw it away. Over time, those small scraps pile up. Imagine if every skater threw away just one grip tape sheet a year—those numbers add up fast. Sometimes, tiny plastic bits also come loose and become microplastics, which are hard to clean up.
Chemical Residue Risks
Conventional grip tape often uses strong chemical adhesives to stick to decks. These glues might include solvents like toluene or xylene. When we remove or replace old tape, these chemicals can leach into soil or water, especially if left outside or sent to landfills.
The sandpaper layer is sometimes coated with other chemicals for extra grip or color. If these chemicals aren’t handled safely, they can create dust or residue we touch with our hands. Prolonged contact might lead to skin irritation or even more serious issues after repeated use. It’s good to know that most grip tape isn’t toxic in small amounts, but unnecessary chemical exposure is never great.
Production and Carbon Footprint
Making standard grip tape involves energy-heavy processes. Factories need electricity and heat to make plastic films, add grit, and cut sheets to size. They also rely on cars and trucks to deliver raw materials and ship finished products.
Some grip tapes are made overseas and shipped long distances before they reach us. That shipping adds extra fuel use and pollution. Plus, many manufacturers use non-renewable energy like coal or gas. All together, this means every roll of traditional grip tape leaves a carbon footprint. Below, let’s compare key steps involved:
| Production Step | Typical Environmental Impact |
|---|---|
| Raw Plastic Creation | High energy, fossil fuels |
| Adhesive Application | Chemical emissions, VOCs |
| Sanding Material Preparation | Mining, dust |
| Packaging | Single-use plastics |
| Transportation | Shipping emissions |
Switching to alternatives could lessen some of these footprints, but traditional grip tape still dominates the market for now.
Performance and Durability of Eco-Friendly Grip Tape
Eco-friendly grip tape has to stand up to the outdoors and give us secure footing. We want it to last through lots of rides, all while staying tough and reliable.
Weather Resistance for Outdoor Use
When we take our boards out in all kinds of weather, the grip tape gets put to the test. Many eco-friendly options use natural or recycled materials instead of plastic but still add special coatings to help block water, dirt, and even UV rays.
Common features for weather resistance:
- Water-repellent layers to stop soaking
- Anti-UV additives to reduce fading
- Fast-drying surfaces for quick recovery after rain
Some brands use cork, hemp, or even recycled rubber in their grip tape. While these are great for sustainability, they don't always hold up to harsh rain like traditional tapes do. We’ll notice some eco-friendly tapes resist peeling and stay sticky in sun and moisture, but others might lose grip faster if they aren’t specifically made for outdoor use. It helps to check if the tape is rated for outdoor riding.
Grip Levels and Board Control
A solid grip is important for safety and control when we skate. Eco-friendly grip tapes have come a long way, but the grip texture can feel a little different from classic sandpaper tapes. Some use plant-based grains or crushed walnut shells for grip instead of synthetic grit.
This means:
- Fine grains give smoother, less aggressive hold—good for cruising.
- Coarse grains add firmer grip—helpful for tricks and downhill.
Testing shows some eco tapes are just as grippy as standard ones, while a few feel less sticky, especially when wet. For better control, we should look for tapes with rougher grain if we’re planning more advanced tricks.
Longevity Compared to Traditional Options
When it comes to how long eco-friendly grip tape lasts, it depends a lot on the material and how we use our boards. Traditional tapes made from synthetic grit like silicon carbide can last months of daily riding. Eco-friendly tapes can match that, especially those with reinforced backing or thicker grit layers.
But some plant-based options wear down faster if we ride hard or in rough, wet places. Cork tapes, for example, may start peeling at the edges or get squishy with a lot of rain. The best eco tapes stand up to repeated rides and resist wear just as long as the best standard tapes, but cheaper or thinner tapes might need to be replaced more often. Checking reviews and product details helps us find tapes with a longer lifespan.
How to Identify Genuine Eco-Friendly Brands
Finding real eco-friendly grip tape isn’t always simple. We want to know our grip tape is truly better for the planet and not just a “green” marketing trick.
Recognizing Certifications and Labels
One easy way to spot genuine eco-friendly brands is by looking for clear, trusted certifications. Labels like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), OEKO-TEX, or USDA Organic on the box or website can show that a product meets honest environmental standards.
We should watch out for buzzwords like “natural” or “green” when there’s no proof. If eco-logos look fake or are missing, it’s a warning sign.
Here’s a quick table of helpful labels to look for:
| Certification | What It Means |
|---|---|
| FSC | Uses responsibly managed wood or paper |
| Cradle to Cradle | Product is made to be reused |
| USDA Organic | No harsh chemicals used |
Transparency in the Supply Chain
We want brands to tell us where and how their grip tape gets made. The best companies actually share details about their materials, factories, and shipping—not just vague claims.
If a brand shows us specifics—like using recycled paper from a certain region or mapping out their supply chain—that’s a solid sign. Some even let us track the product’s journey online, which feels reassuring.
But when brands dodge questions or hide the origins of their materials, we should probably think twice. The real eco-friendly ones usually highlight their supply partners or post photos from their factories.
Transparency isn’t just a buzzword—it's about giving us details we can check for ourselves.
Maintenance and Disposal Tips
Taking care of eco-friendly grip tape really matters if we want it to last and avoid unnecessary waste. Cleaning it the right way, disposing or recycling old tape responsibly, and just making it last longer—those things help us and the outdoors.
Cleaning Eco-Friendly Grip Tape
Skating outside means our grip tape picks up mud, dust, and all sorts of grime. To clean it, start by brushing the surface gently with a soft brush—an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled scrubber usually does the trick.
For stubborn dirt, mix a little water with mild soap. Dip the brush lightly, scrub in small circles, and wipe everything down with a damp cloth. Try not to soak the tape, though—too much water weakens the glue or messes up natural materials.
Let your board dry completely before the next ride. If you skate in wet weather, check for dirt or sand and clean up right after. It keeps the grip sticky and ready.
How to Properly Dispose or Recycle
Eco-friendly grip tape isn’t all the same. Some tapes are compostable, some recyclable, and others still end up as trash. Always check the product label or the company’s website for disposal instructions.
If the tape is compostable, peel it off carefully, remove any non-compostable adhesive, and toss the rest in your compost bin. For recyclable tape, see if your local facility accepts that material. Some brands even run mail-back programs, which can be super convenient.
Try not to throw eco-grip tape in the trash unless you’re sure there’s no better option. Following the right steps helps cut down on landfill waste.
Extending the Life of Your Grip Tape
Getting more rides from your grip tape saves money and reduces waste. Try to avoid skidding or dragging your feet in one spot. Kicking off mud or dirt before you hop on keeps things cleaner, too.
If you see edges peeling, press them back down with a bit of eco-friendly glue. Don’t let dirt pile up—brushing after each session keeps the grip strong.
Store your skateboard inside or at least somewhere dry, so the tape doesn’t wear out quickly. If you skate in the rain, dry off the board and grip tape as soon as you can. Small habits like these help your eco-friendly tape stay grippy for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing eco-friendly grip tape can get confusing—so many materials and options. We want to skate well and do the right thing for the planet, but it’s not always clear how.
What makes grip tape eco-friendly, and why does it matter for skaters?
Eco-friendly grip tape uses recycled stuff, plant-based glues, and skips harsh chemicals. This cuts pollution and supports brands trying to clean up the skate industry.
If you care about nature, using less plastic and fewer toxins is a simple way to make your sessions a bit gentler on the environment.
Are there any biodegradable grip tape options that still offer solid performance?
Yep, some tapes come from biodegradable hemp or cork. Brands are experimenting with these to give us solid grip and less waste.
Performance can feel a little different, but a lot of skaters say these options work well for cruising or street skating.
What brands lead the charge in sustainable skateboarding accessories?
Brands like Jessup, Mob Grip, and Roar Griptape offer recycled options. Smaller names—Seismic and Tree Skateboarding, for example—focus just on eco materials.
Checking a brand’s website and reading reviews helps spot the real green choices, not just marketing fluff.
Can I still pull off sick tricks with eco-friendly grip tape under my feet?
You don’t have to give up performance to help the planet. Many eco grip tapes offer plenty of grip for flicks and downhill speed.
There might be a short break-in period, but most riders say they barely notice once they’re rolling.
How do I properly dispose of my used grip tape in an environmentally conscious way?
Most regular grip tape isn’t easy to recycle, but some programs or local shops collect old tape for special recycling. If your grip tape is compostable, follow the instructions for disposal.
Cutting it up for reuse on arts, crafts, or as anti-slip strips around the house can keep it out of landfills a bit longer.
Any tips for maintaining eco-friendly grip tape to ensure it lasts longer?
Try wiping down your grip with a soft brush or some grip gum to clear off dirt and keep that stickiness going. It’s a good idea to stash your board indoors and keep it dry—rain isn’t really a friend to grip tape.
And hey, if you can steer clear of puddles and scrape off big chunks of debris as soon as you spot them, your eco-friendly grip tape should hang in there for a good while.