Sustainability Report 2024

1. What was the original idea behind the founding of SUPERNOVA?

1. What was the original idea behind the founding of SUPERNOVA?

Marcus Wallmeyer: In November 1995, as a 17-year-old racing cyclist who was crazy about cycling, I needed a bright front light for long training sessions after sunset. I built my first front light from an empty tomato paste can. The battery was an old motorcycle battery that just fit into my handlebar bag. I was so excited about the first night rides that I was bursting with new ideas.

2. Where did the topic of sustainability come from?

2. Where did the topic of sustainability come from?

Marcus Wallmeyer: I became interested in sustainability as a child. My father, an engineer with a focus on wind and hydropower, combined technology and nature and inspired me as a result. At my school, I was lucky enough to have teachers who also had a strong awareness of environmental issues. This interest was further strengthened when I joined an environmental club in the 7th grade. In the late 80’s I rode my first bicycle races and enjoyed training outdoors in nature. This passion for nature and its protection influences my actions and decisions at SUPERNOVA today.

3. You are an industrial designer. How do you implement the concept of sustainability in product design?

3. You are an industrial designer. How do you implement the concept of sustainability in product design?

Marcus Wallmeyer: Our aim is to create timeless design. We put a lot of effort into this, because our products should not only be functional, but also aesthetically durable. An outstanding example of this is our Airstream front light, which has been on the market since 2009. Its design has remained unchanged since then, only the inner workings have improved over the years. When selecting materials, we attach great importance to durability and efficiency. That is why we use aluminum, which is not only robust, but also enables better cooling of the LEDs.

4. What measures do you take to ensure the longevity of your products and how important is the repair service to you in this context?

4. What measures do you take to ensure the longevity of your products and how important is the repair service to you in this context?

Marcus Wallmeyer: To ensure the longevity of our products, we attach great importance to a construction that is designed for at least 10 years of intensive use. Our products undergo extreme tests that we have defined ourselves to ensure that they meet the highest requirements. This is why we can offer an exceptional 5-year guarantee on all SUPERNOVA products. Repairs are usually carried out within 24 hours, even on older lights.

5. Isn’t every company obliged to compile such a report?

5. Isn’t every company obliged to compile such a report?

Marcus Wallmeyer: No, as a small medium-sized company with nearly 60 employees, we don’t have to compile such a report. It is only mandatory for much larger companies. Nevertheless, we have made this effort and can recommend it to every company. Following the German Sustainability Code is like using a checklist to see how well you have done your job. We have been ISO14001 certified for several years now, not out of obligation, but to document and improve important environmental aspects.

6. Do you commute to work by bike?

6. Do you commute to work by bike?

Marcus Wallmeyer: I always get the best ideas on the 20 km commute and then I also use it for test rides with new prototypes. Since I’ve had an S-Pedelec cargo bike, there’s almost no reason to take the car any more. I’m very pleased that over 60 % of my employees also cycle to work.