For many people, a bicycle or e-bike represents a significant investment. As a result, alongside features, price and technology, what a brand stands for and how it fulfils its responsibilities beyond the product itself are becoming increasingly important factors. Orbea is now placing even greater emphasis on precisely this aspect: through the newly established Orbea Foundation, the Spanish bicycle manufacturer is consolidating its social commitment and aims to expand it further in the future.
A long tradition of responsibility and commitment
The fact that Orbea is taking this step is in keeping with the brand’s unique corporate structure. The manufacturer has been organised as a co-operative since the 1970s and is owned by its employees. The idea of combining commercial success with social responsibility has therefore been part of the company’s philosophy for decades and is now being given an even stronger organisational foundation through the Orbea Foundation.
The foundation takes a two-pronged approach: on the one hand, it develops its own initiatives; on the other, it supports organisations whose objectives are in line with its own values. The focus is on projects that empower people, communities and regions and make a positive long-term contribution to society or the environment.
Sustainable mobility as a central theme
In terms of its remit, the Foundation focuses on five key areas of activity, with sustainable mobility naturally having a strong link to Orbea’s core business. Among other things, it supports projects that promote cycling, advance sustainable mobility concepts or contribute to the development and maintenance of cycle paths. At the same time, the Orbea Foundation deliberately takes a broader view and is equally committed to the areas of sport and health, education and economic development, social justice, as well as the preservation of cultural and sporting heritage. To maximise its impact in these areas, the foundation relies on collaboration with numerous partner organisations in Spain and many other countries.
Cooperation rather than going it alone
Collaboration with partner organisations also plays an important role: rather than solely implementing its own projects, the foundation aims to cooperate specifically with existing initiatives, thereby pooling knowledge, experience and resources. It already supports numerous projects in Spain, Europe and other regions of the world. These include, amongst others, programmes for sustainable mobility, educational partnerships with universities, social projects and initiatives to promote a more inclusive cycling culture.
Through the Orbea Foundation, the company is making it clear that social commitment is set to remain an integral part of its corporate strategy in the long term. Whilst the foundation is not a deciding factor for existing and potential customers when it comes to the quality of a bicycle, it does provide further insight into the values the brand stands for and how it aims to combine its commercial success with social responsibility. More information on the projects and initiatives is available right here on the Orbea Foundation’s website.
