Environment and Manufacturing Standards
Environmental Standards
Overview: We recognize as a company that making any products has an impact on the environment and health of our planet. At the same time, Two Wheel Gear is in business to enable people to use their bicycles more and cars, trucks or other motorized vehicles less. Our whole product line is focused on promoting cycling, walking and mass transit as practical modes of transportation.
To limit our impact to the environment, air and water quality in our local areas and around the world, we are committing to the following goals.
Materials: Two Wheel Gear will be using all Bluesign® approved mills for our fabrics by the end of 2022. We already work to use recycled and/or natural materials as much as possible. By 2025 we plan to make 100% of our bags from recycled or natural fabrics.
Packaging: Our current hang-tags and header cards utilize recycled content. The poly-bags that we package the products in for shipping are all compost-able. Our goal is to continue to push to find ways to avoid poly-bags and other single-use plastics throughout the business.
Shipping: No doubt that moving product around the world is a large part of the overall impact of a brand. We try to use ocean shipping as much as possible and consolidate our shipments to as few vessels as possible.
End of life: Our bags are meant to have a very long life and be used for years if not decades. We work with our vendors and customers to repair broken parts as much as possible without scrapping whole bags. Reality is that all products eventually wear out. We offer discount codes to customers that have old bags that have reached the end of their life. Two Wheel Gear then has the ability to deconstruct our products and recycle or re-use any materials possible.
Restricted Substances: PVC, PTFE, PFAS, BPA, Heavy metals including: Lead, Cadmium, Chromium VI, Nickel Release. Full Details on RSL items to be finalized by the end of 2024.
Code of Conduct
The Two Wheel Gear Code of Conduct provides a minimum standard and compliance is mandatory for all Two Wheel Gear partners and their employees. Additionally, Two Wheel Gear expects its partners to comply with national and international law that applies to the working relationship. Our vendor partners are reguarly audited by third party entities and reports are shared with Two Wheel Gear.
Informed Workplace: All of Two Wheel Gear's partners must inform employees about current workplace standards orally and visually by posting standards in prominent locations regularly frequented by workers. Additionally, workers must be made aware of their rights to freedom of association and to collective bargaining.
Working Conditions and Hygiene: A safe and hygienic working environment must be provided. Hazards in the work environment must be minimized and accidents prevented via regular and recorded health and safety training for all workers. Access to clean toilet facilities, potable water, and clean, safe accommodations and food preparation or storage areas are to be provided where appropriate.
Minimum Wage: Workers in Two Wheel Gear partner facilities are to be paid at least minimum wage and benets as defined by national legal standards or industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher. All workers must be provided with written and understandable information about their wages before they enter employment. Deductions from wages may not be permitted in any instance unless provided for by national law.
Working Hours: Working hours in Two Wheel Gear partner facilities shall comply with national laws and benchmark industry standards, whichever affords greater protection. Workers cannot be required to work in excess of 48 hours per week on any regular basis and must be provided with at least one day off for every seven day period on average. Overtime must be voluntary, not demanded on a regular basis, and always compensated at a premium rate.
Humane Treatment: Two Wheel Gear has zero tolerance for physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment, and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation.
No Child Labour: Two Wheel Gear has zero tolerance for the use or recruitment of child labour. No person under the age of 15 shall be employed in a Two Wheel Gear partner facility and local legal requirements for employees under 18 years of age must be observed.
No Forced Labour: Employment in Two Wheel Gear partner facilities is freely chosen. There may be absolutely no forced or bonded labour. Workers may not be required to lodge deposits or identity papers with their employer and must be free to leave their employer after reasonable notice.
No Discrimination: Two Wheel Gear has zero tolerance for discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership, or political affiliation.
Women's Rights: Two Wheel Gear is proud to support equality for women and maintains that all women workers in Two Wheel Gear partner facilities shall receive equal remuneration, including benefits, equal treatment, equal evaluation of the quality of their work, and equal opportunity to fill all positions open to male workers. Pregnancy tests may not be a condition of employment or demanded of employees. Workers who take maternity leave (of a duration determined by local and national laws) will not face dismissal or threat of dismissal, loss of seniority or deduction of wages, and will be able to return to their former employment at the same rate of pay and benefits. Workers may not be forced or pressured to use contraception. Workers may not be exposed to hazards, including glues and solvents, that may endanger their safety, including their reproductive health. Facilities shall provide appropriate services and accommodation to women workers in connection with pregnancy.
Migrant Workers: Migrant workers must be aorded the same rights as national and resident workers in Two Wheel Gear’s partner facilities.
Subcontracting: Two Wheel Gear must pre approve all subcontracted production of Two Wheel Gear products and the subcontractor must comply with the Two Wheel Gear Code of Conduct.
Environment: Our authorized facilities must comply with local and national law regarding emissions and waste management and disposal. See separate statement for more detailed Environmental Standards.
Audits: Manufacturers will authorize Two Wheel Gear and/or its designated agents (including third parties) to engage in monitoring activities to conform compliance with this Code of Conduct, including unannounced on-site inspections of manufacturing facilities and employer-provided housing; reviewing books and records relating to employment matters; and private interviews with employees. Manufacturers will maintain on-site all documentation that may be needed to demonstrate compliance with this Code of Conduct.
Corporate Commitment to Diversity: Two Wheel Gear celebrates and encourages diversity throughout its business organization. With the individuals we hire, the products we design, our brand ambassadors, and the organizations with whom we partner, we continuously enhance diversity – across gender, culture, age, and more. We will work to encourage and support diversity within the company, and also use our platform to showcase the diverse community of cyclists. Our photography and marketing collateral will continue to push representation of all races, genders, ages, religions and sexual orientations.
