Achieving sustainability in our supply chain, operations, and our own lives can’t be done overnight. It’s an ongoing journey.
The AK Social is a collection of ocean related non-profit organizations and programs that we believe in.
To support any of these programs, simply follow the links below or contact us directly for more information on how you can get involved.
Our key business ideologies are centered around long-term personal growth, improving the quality-of-life for everyone associated with AK, and treating customers as investors in building a great company.
In addition to this, our passion for riding and technology inspired by nature, along with our continued exploration of incredible locations, motivates our participation in the fight to protect and help reverse the overall decline in the environmental health of our planet.
Below are a few of our key initiatives:
ENERGY USE & RECYCLING
In order to reduce the environmental harm caused by producing non-renewable energy, we renovated a turn of the century building into the AK headquarters in Cape Town, incorporating progressive insulation to limit the heating and cooling requirements, and installing LED lighting. Through the installation of solar panels and advanced battery systems, we have reduced our overall electricity demand from the power grid by over 70 percent, and our carbon footprint by an estimated 7.5 tons per year.
Adding to this, our staff have initiated a series of internal programs to reduce their individual impact on the local environment by avoiding plastic, recycling or producing eco-bricks, and composting bio-degradable waste.
LOW IMPACT RECYCLED PACKAGING
Packaging serves an important role in protecting an item from the factory to your doorstep, and can be an incredibly wasteful process if not managed correctly.
Conscious of our environmental impact, we have reduced the overall number of packaging items, and make use of recycled cardboard and bio-inks to ensure that the energy that goes into production is reduced, and waste is kept to an absolute minimum.
Where possible, we have replaced plastic polybags with reusable non-woven bags, and have only used plastic where it is currently necessary to do so. An unfortunate reality, keep in mind that plastic alternates may require more energy to produce, or need to be reused up to 20 times before effectively replacing their plastic counterparts.
CARBON OFFSETTING
Carbon offsetting is often viewed as a corporate shortcut to mitigating environmental harm created without making any changes nor engaging in the community. We have a different view and are very fortunate to be part of the development of the Thor Heyerdahl climate park. For every board purchased from AK, we will plant and nurture a mangrove tree to maturity within the park. Each of these incredible mangroves can potentially absorb over one ton of CO2 over 20 years, whilst protecting the low-lying coastlines from stormy weather and tsunamis, plus increasing fish production.
Learn More: Thor Heyerdahl Climate Park
ECOBOARDS
Our ongoing mission is to develop the highest performing boards on the market, while reducing our environmental impact. We have teamed up with Sustainable Surf to develop a line of foilboards that comply and exceed the Ecoboard fundamentals of:
A measurably reduced carbon footprint.
Renewable, recycled, and/or upcycled material inputs.
Reduce toxicity during manufacturing.
Learn More: Sustainable Surf
100% COTTON MERCHANDISE
Our organic cotton garments are softer, lighter, and more breathable than conventional cotton. Organic cotton farming practices do not involve the use of toxic pesticides, unlike conventional cotton farming where pesticides eventually seep into the ground causing progressive soil and environmental damage. Organic farming only uses all-natural agriculture practices making them more sustainable and all-around better for you and the environment.
View Range: Merchandise
2 YEAR WARRANTY
We aim to make durable, purpose-built, products that stand the test of time, which is why we guarantee everything we make. If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, return it to the store you bought it from for replacement or refund.
T&Cs apply: Warranty Info
