Our Materials

2020 Bumbleride Canada Materials

Materials Matter

Eco is not a trend. The textiles, aluminum and plastics that make up Bumbleride products are carefully chosen for durability, safety and function, but also for their environmental impact. Manufacturing can be a dirty business so we seek out suppliers that are innovating to save energy, conserve water and reduce pollution in landfills.

All of our fabrics are OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class I certified free from harmful chemicals. Bumbleride products are free from Fire Retardants (except in UK where required by law), Lead, Phthalates, BPA, Polyurethane Foam (excluding Travel Bags for form), PVC, Vinyl, Formaldehyde, Chlorine, PFCs & PFASs (PFOA/PFOS) and many more harmful chemicals.

Bumbleride fabrics are made from 100% recycled PET (post-consumer plastic water bottles, rPET, polyethylene terephthalate). We have upcycled over 1 million bottles into our fabrics since 2011. In addition, our black colorways use an innovative dye process that conserves approximately 25-40 gallons of water per stroller. This dye process not only reduces water use, but also pollution. 

We’ve proudly been using the same family-run factory in Taiwan since the beginning, helping us to stay closely involved with the production process. 

In 2020, after much research to find an alternative to C6 water repellents, we are proud to offer a C-0 PFC free water repellent that replaces these chemicals with a plant based oil to ensure the utmost safety for baby and planet. This DWR continues to provide outstanding waterproof performance and will last through many machine washes (spot washing with mild soap and water recommended to reduce environmental impact). In 2018, we moved from a C-8 fluorocarbon-based durable water repellent (DWR) treatment to a C-6 treatment, which breaks down faster in the environment with less potential toxicity to living things over time.

What is Recycled PET (rPET)?

PET is polyethylene terephthalate (plastic water bottles), considered a greener option in textiles today for a few reasons:

  • Various studies all agree that it uses anywhere from 35-53% less energy to make recycled polyester than it does to make virgin polyester.
  • We are keeping bottles out of landfills and reducing use of raw/virgin materials.
  • rPET is cited as producing far fewer emissions to the air than does the production of virgin polyester: again estimates vary, but Libolon’s website introducing its new RePET yarn put the estimate at 54.6% fewer CO2 emissions (source).

    What is OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class I?

    It is of the utmost importance that our products are produced with non-toxic materials. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an independent testing and certification system for fabrics, which evaluates every stage of production. Class I is the strictest of the test classes and applies to products for babies and toddlers up to 3 years of age. Learn more. 

    What is DWR?

    Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is a liquid chemical treatment to fabric that creates a microscopic barrier to prevent saturation when wet, most often found in high performance outdoor clothing and found in baby gear fabrics to protect against spills and accidents. Most common DWRs contain PFC related chemicals that are known concerns to the health of baby and the planet, often referenced as C-8. Bumbleride’s DWR is PFC free (C-0). Learn more.

    What are PFCs or PFASs?

    PFCs and PFASs are abbreviations for a group of “poly or per-fluorinated chemicals and compounds” most often referenced as specific versions named PFOA or PFOS. PFCs can most often be found in stain and water repellent fabrics, plastic food packaging, non-stick cooking equipment, drinking water and household cleaning products. Bumbleride fabrics are PFC and PFAS free. Learn more.

    What is in Bumbleride's DWR?

    • Non-fluorinated, plant based oil.
    • Machine washable without sacrificing fabric breathability or feel.  
    • Screened via ChemIQ, with a “Preferred” rating, for VF Corporation, and has been registered with the Scivera system for Nike. 
    • Approved by the third-party safe chemistry certifiers, bluesign®, ZDHC, and preferred by OEKO-TEX.

    What is TPR?

    Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR), has replaced the foam in our handlebars excluding Era which features 100% cork. TPR is durable, recyclable and uses less energy to produce.

    Why Cork?

    • Durable & Anti-microbial
    • 100% Sustainable & Renewable
    • Naturally Waterproof & Non-toxic
    • Non-slip, Ergonomic Grip

    Learn more about caring for your cork.

    Organic Cotton Accessory Collection


    We are thrilled to announce the addition of the 100% Organic Cotton Collection at Bumbleride. Our goal is to keep it simple and functional by only manufacturing items that you need and nothing you don’t. This organic collection is for those who prefer a gentler option for sensitive skin or want extra cushion and support for little ones on the go. We are proud this organic collection is GOTS certified; free of pesticides and harmful chemicals. Plus, producing organic cotton uses 71% less water, 62% less energy and has less impact on the air than conventional cotton. Small choices make a big impact.

    Bumbleride Safety Certifications:

      • ASTM-F833 (US)
      • SOR-85-379 (Canada)
      • EN-1888 (Europe)
      • AS/NZS-2088 (Australia / New Zealand)

     

    Helpful links to learn more:

    https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/textiles-and-water-use/
    https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/why-is-recycled-polyester-considered-a-sustainable-textile/
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PET_bottle_recycling
    http://aboutorganiccotton.org/
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durable_water_repellent.
    https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluorinated_compound
    https://www.ceh.org/forever-chemicals-its-whats-for-dinner/