In Utah, WNDR Alpine’s algae-based snowboards have been named to Time Magazine’s top 200 inventions list.
Unlike most snowboards, which are made out of petroleum-based plastic polyethylene, WNDR’s Shepard snowboard is produced using oil sourced from microalgae. The board was first launched in 2022.
“This board is now being ridden on mountains worldwide and garnering accolades from athletes, mountain safety professionals, and passionate enthusiasts alike,” WNDR cofounder Xan Marshland said in a press release. “And while the Shepherd speaks directly to our community of winter sports athletes, the materials inside it can be scaled for use far beyond the outdoor industry.”
The material is supplied by Checkerspot, a biotechnology company.