World’s First Recycled Climbing Rope: Edelrid Reveals ‘NEO 3R’

The Edelrid NEO 3R 9.8mm will use 50% recycled material from cords the company would typically discard.

The climbing world will witness a huge milestone this summer when Edelrid launches the first climbing rope made from used ropes. This new rope signals a higher level of sustainability from a brand already profoundly involved in minimizing the impact of climbing gear manufacturing.

Edelrid Recycled Climbing Rope: How?

Edelrid invested 5 years of development into producing the world’s first rope with recycled materials. The German brand conjured up special processing techniques during fiber weaving and used recycled materials in both the sheath and the core.

The used rope comes from various manufacturing avenues. Edelrid makes countless ropes during the development of each new product, and those can’t be sold. The brand also frequently produces 1,200m spools, which are cut to production lengths like 60, 70, or 35 m, leaving an unusable amount as waste.

Both of these examples result in ropes usually bound for the landfill.

Edelrid NEO 3R 9.8mm: Still a Legitimate Rope?

Absolutely. Edelrid ensured the NEO 3R 9.8mm meets all of its stringent demands for a rope destined for hard use. And it meets International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) standards for a single rope as well as certified-equipment (CE) guidelines.

The cord also receives Edelrid’s Thermo Shield treatment to enhance handling as well as 3D lap coiling to eliminate the hassles of a twisted rope during unpackaging.

Price and Availability

Edelrid plans to have the NEO 3R 9.8mm in North American climbers’ hands on July 15, 2021. The 60m version will carry an MSRP of $220, and the 70m rope will run $240.

Can I See One Before Then?

Unfortunately, the only climber worthy of using the world’s first rope with recycled content is Tommy Caldwell, and rightfully so. It’s hard to name a climber more fitting for a sustainable rope than TC.

I’ll get my grubby hands on one as soon as possible and fill you in right here on GearJunkie.