At Yuba, we love to challenge ourselves…How can we carry 4 kids on a bike, a dog, skis, or even musical instruments?
While developing a new front platform for our cargo bikes, we took a step back and asked ourselves: how can we make this product more sustainable? Even better, how can we create a cargo bike accessory from recycled materials sourced less than 200 km from our office in France?
Plak: Transforming plastic into practicality
In our quest for the perfect partner, we met Leslie Vadot, founder of Plak, a French company based in Mirebeau-sur-Bèze, right in the heart of Burgundy. To give a second life to plastics that would otherwise end up in landfills. Her goal wasn’t just to recycle these materials but to transform them into valuable objects, combining both practicality and aesthetics.
As she explains:
“Plak was born out of the desire to find a solution for plastics destined to become waste. Our goal is to restore the image of this material by giving it a second life.” – Leslie Vadot, Founder of Plak
Plak’s values and commitments resonate deeply with us. It became clear that we wanted to collaborate to design the Front Eco Deck, an accessory that reflects our shared vision of responsible and local production.
Introducing the Front Eco Deck: 100% recycled materials, 100% recyclable
The Front Eco Deck isn’t just an Add-On; it’s a product born from genuine environmental awareness. Leveraging Plak’s expertise and their thermo-compression method, plastic waste that might have ended up in landfills is transformed into a durable and practical product for cyclists. It’s not magic, but just smart resource management. We collect, shred, compress, and voilà—a new material ready for action.
We then used this material to create an accessory that’s both practical and functional. The Front Eco Deck is a platform that attaches to the front of your bike, capable of carrying up to 23 kg (50 lbs) of cargo. Its multiple notches make it easy to strap down various types of loads. Thanks to the quality of the recycled materials from Plak, the Front Eco Deck is not only durable and sturdy but also resistant to rain and UV rays.
Through this collaboration, we’ve integrated recycled materials into a product that is not only practical but also part of a more circular economic vision.
Sourcing local: A regional collaboration
The Front Eco Deck is entirely made less than 200 km (125 miles) from our offices. Why? To minimize the carbon footprint associated with transportation, work with trusted partners, and ensure a high-quality product.
“We work exclusively with French suppliers to ensure complete transparency on the origin of raw materials. We use a ‘mono-material’ approach, allowing us to offer products that are 100% recycled and 100% recyclable.”– Leslie Vadot
Fostering sustainability and social impact
Afterward, we assembled the Front Eco Deck just a few kilometers from our offices, at the ESAT Parmelan. This isn’t just a matter of logistics. The ESAT Parmelan provides professional opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities or autism. For us, this adds a human dimension to our product: a circular and local economy that also promotes social responsibility.
A pilot project for eco-friendly design
By choosing the Front Eco Deck, you’re not just adding an Add-On to your bike. You’re making a conscious choice: reducing your carbon footprint with recycled materials while supporting local and socially responsible production. Every small action, whether rethinking our products or opting for cycling in daily life, contributes to a more sustainable future. And for that, we thank you!
Now it’s your turn: this platform is capable of carrying just about anything: grocery bags, pizzas, boxes, or even plants for your garden. In short, it’s ready for anything (well, almost). We won’t promise it can carry a wedding cake in one piece, but hey, feel free to give it a try!
