Climbing Ropes—Environmental Hotspots in Their Life Cycle and Potentials for Optimization

This paper examines the environmental impacts of climbing ropes using life cycle assessment (LCA). An online survey was conducted to evaluate users’ behaviour and potential an open loop recycling project for old ropes. The results LCA study show that production base material, polyamide 6, has, at 50%, highest impact on total global warming 46.6 kg CO2-eq. per rope most other issues. At present, there is no practical alternative a material. However, indicated high willingness climbers return their purpose recycling. If all stored home or being used non-climbing purposes in Switzerland were be recycled, 1170 t could saved by substituting primary material avoiding waste incineration.