Skip the flowers, chocolates and spa gifts this International Women's Day.

From late September 2025 through early 2026, the bicycle industry saw an unprecedented wave of human rights-related actions centred on Taiwan. The United States government's import ban on Giant products made in Taiwan triggered not only rapid remediation and reimbursements, but a broader shift toward systemic human rights due diligence in Taiwan's bicycle supply chain. Bike Europe takes stock of the changes.

Norwegian start-up tyre manufacturer, ReTyre, has announced a series of positive developments reinforcing its rapid momentum. The company has secured €7 million in new funding in a round led by Hatch Blue's Blue Revolution Fund, with participation from Fundracer and existing investors. The investment is intended to scale production, fulfil existing orders and move the company toward profitability.

MUNICH, Germany - Following the successful launch of the trade-in portal in e-bike refurbisher Rebike Mobility GmbH's own flagship stores in Frankfurt and Munich, the onboarding of other major IBDs is now beginning. While the nationwide rollout is in preparation, an international scaling is already in the pipeline.

BASSANO DEL GRAPPA, Italy - Selle Royal Group and Stardue Group have joined forces to establish a new foundation to generate a positive and lasting impact on the community. This organisation, called Stravarda Foundation, will develop a project that places the bicycle at the centre as a tool for social, cultural, and environmental growth.

While the long-awaited GPSR guidelines have finally appeared, offering disappointingly little clarity, the next regulation is already lining up for everyone involved in selling products in the EU: the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The PPWR entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will start to apply from 12 August 2026, with many design and documentation obligations ramping up further between 2026 and 2030. Just as companies are still implementing the GPSR, the PPWR is already demanding attention.

TALLINN, Estonia - Vok Bikes has secured a new production line at the Refactory plant of Renault Group to scale the manufacturing of its next-generation electric commercial cargo bikes. Starting in 2026, mass production of Vok Bikes will take place at the car maker's plant in Flins, France, which is its flagship circular economy and sustainable manufacturing hub.

UTRECHT, the Netherlands - Is attention for sustainability in the cycling industry slowly declining? 75% of industry representatives say their company is taking a strategic approach to climate action, down from 80% last year. At the same time, 85% of the respondents report that reducing climate impacts is part of their product design and development. Over a third of companies have conducted at least one Life Cycle Assessment. This reflects a shift from isolated initiatives to integrating sustainability into core business practices. These are some of the key findings of the 2025 climate action pulse check for the cycling industry.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In the wake of forced labour accusations from the United States, Giant Group is extending its 'Zero Recruitment Fee Policy'. Originally in effect from January 1, 2025, this will now apply to all migrant workers currently employed at the company in Taiwan. "This latest expansion reflects the Group's ongoing institutionalisation and practices of human rights protection and fair employment," the company states.

POZZOLEONE, Italy - Sustainability, production efficiency and manufacturing in Europe spurred investments at the Selle Royal Group in recent years. The Stracciatella project, launched in November 2024, was a big step forward in sustainability, but also in quality control. During a visit, Bike Europe got all the details on this project and more.

PARIS, France - This was the question looking to be answered at the recently held Summit Series in Paris, supported by CIE's Women in Cycling expert group. The event, focusing on the retention and recruitment of women in the bicycle industry, hoped to 'lead the change' in correcting the current imbalance in the sector. With cross-spectrum representatives from industry and academia present, the conclusion was that progress is slow, and opportunities are being missed.

As the EU introduces tougher battery regulations, Bafang sets the bar for e-bike battery safety and sustainability with advanced-level testing, automotive-grade BMS, and eco-focused design. The company strives to deliver durability, performance, and trust for a safer, greener, and more reliable e-mobility future.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The results are in for Giant Group's 2024 sustainability and ethical impacts, and the company is reporting reduced emissions and increased solar power across the board, with some notable caveats. Giant Group, home of Giant, Liv, Momentum and Cadex bike brands, has been advancing its ESG commitments in a three-pronged approach since 2022: innovating a clean future, transforming for circularity and mobilizing for DEI.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Human rights have become a key issue in industrial practices, progressing from a moral inclination to a regulatory necessity. This change is also taking place in the bicycle industry. The issue came to the forefront earlier this year when allegations of mistreatment of migrant workers in the Taiwanese bicycle industry surfaced. The Taipei Cycle show in March offered Bike Europe the opportunity to take stock of what is currently at play in Taiwan.

REICHSHOF, Germany - Schwalbe owner Ralf Bohle GmbH and Pyrum Innovations AG have concluded a framework agreement for the long-term purchase of Pyrum's recovered carbon black (rcb). The agreement covers the purchase of rcb at a fixed price for the next 10 years.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - For the second year in a row the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) held a forum during the Taipei Cycle show to update the industry on the progress of the initiatives of its members. This year a focal point was the introduction of human rights code of conduct signed by all 82 members of the BAS to protect workers rights within the bicycle industry in Taiwan. The occasion was somewhat marred later in the day when a protest contradicted the progress being made.

ITTIGEN, Switzerland - Two key topics challenging the bicycle and e-bike industry, sustainability and geopolitical issues are addressed in a new study by McKinsey & Company and the WFSGI (World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry). Is the industry prepared for 2025?

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In a circular economy it is often a challenge to find a new purpose or customers for recyclable waste. ZIPP owner SRAM had been looking for a source of the waste which comes from the production of its carbon components, including wheelsets, handlebars, stems and seat posts. This issue was addressed through their collaboration with Velo.

SKI, Norway - Just south of Oslo, the first highly automated tyre factory of reTyre has been completed after a construction period of 10 months. "We are the world's first tyre company that can injection-mold tyres instead of manual vulcanization," said eTyre COO Alexander Gjendem Gjørven, who has raised more than 200 million Norwegian kroner (€17.2 million) for reTyre.

MÜHLTAL, Germany - Riese & Müller is setting new standards in sustainable logistics by becoming the first bicycle manufacturer to adopt reusable packaging for e-bike shipments across Europe. Following successful multi-month trials, the BikeBox will now be the standard packaging for over 1,000 dealers in Europe, significantly reducing environmental impact.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Following allegations by LeMonde Diplomatique about indicators of forced labour according to the International Labor Organization (ILO) in the Taiwanese bicycle industry, the trade association Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) felt the urge to respond. "Taiwan as the crucial global supply chain has the responsibility to do things right in every aspect and we appreciate your effort in providing us the guidance and advice regarding the foreign labour issues," the TBA told Bike Europe.