PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
- Belgium
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
At the start of the Antwerp brand, Brecht built all the bikes himself, at his home. Over the past few years, the brand has grown, now collaborating with social atelier De Sprong for much of the production process. This way, Erts Cycles not only participates in the local recycling of discarded bicycles, they also contribute to the social economy!
The bicycle makers at De Sprong are responsible for quality control, dismantling and coating the bicycle frames. Here, they employ people who have few opportunities in the regular labour market.
MATERIALS
Erts Cycles chooses to use old bicycle frames as the basis for each new bike. These vintage, steel frames from 1970-’90 are high-quality and often manufactured locally. The discarded bikes are collected locally through Kringwinkels and recycling depots.
After a quality check, the frames are stripped of old parts and given a fresh, colourful coating. Erts deliberately selects modern components such as lights, mudguards, locks, luggage carriers and bicycle bells. This gives two advantages: it combines present-day comfort and innovation with the charming vintage frames, AND it makes it easy to have your bike repaired at your local bike shop.
PACKAGING
Erts Cycles does not disclose what packaging materials are used. As they offer the option to shop in-store, it is likely that minimal packaging is used.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
Erts Cycles states that their vintage frames are powder-coated in fresh colours, which may involve chemicals. They do not yet disclose details on this, or efforts to reduce their chemical usage.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
Erts Cycles was created from the ambition to bring as many discarded bicycles back into use as possible, helping to close the circle. Circular principles were also taken into account in the design phase by facilitating possible repairs. In this way, the brand ensures that fewer raw materials have to be mined for the production of new bikes, and makes it possible to use your bike longer and have it repaired at your local bike shop!
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS
Erts Cycles encourages consumers to use their trusted bike repairers in Antwerp and Leuven to ensure that their circular bikes are kept in use for as long as possible.
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Production locations:
- Belgium
Erts Cycles has a short supply chain thanks to local collection and production of the bikes. All steps of the process are carried out in the Antwerp region, and their stores are located in Antwerp too!
TRANSPORTATION
Erts Cycles does not disclose where they source their additional parts from, or how they are transported to their workshops. This makes it difficult to assess the overall transportation emissions of their supply chain.
Although Erts Cycles does not claim to be a vegan brand, their bikes do not contain any animal-derived materials.
PRODUCT DESIGN
The vintage bikes are given a contemporary touch thanks to fresh colours and modern accessories. Yet the frames remain a paragon of 1970-’90s quality and style.
Build your own bike! At Erts Cycles, you can choose the type of frame, your favourite colour and the accessories you want. The Antwerp brand offers both racing and city bikes, each time giving you the choice between a horizontal or angled tube. In other words, something for everyone!
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
Erts Cyles offers one-of-a-kind bikes made with re-used vintage frames. This is a truly slow business model that COSH! is excited to see!
TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT
Every bike is made in collaboration with De Sprong in Belgium, and Erts Cycles welcomes you to send a message or visit their showroom to find out more about their products. In this way, they aim for complete product transparency.
TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES
On Erts Cycles’ website, you can read all about the methods and materials the brand uses.
COSH! welcomes this transparency, while also hoping that more information will soon be shared about where the various parts and accessories come from.
Conclusion
Discover a circular bike brand from Belgium: Erts Cycles. The Antwerp-based company gives old bicycle frames a new life as vintage bikes with modern comfort. What’s more, Erts works together with social atelier De Sprong – making them both circular and social!
