Orbea Wins an Award at the 2026 Euskadi SDG Awards Ceremony

Organised by Cadena SER, the event has now established itself as a key meeting point for showcasing initiatives that, across different sectors, are helping to build a more sustainable, fair and inclusive society.

Among the award-winning initiatives, one stood out for its close connection to the industrial sector: the Planet Award presented to Orbea, demonstrating how sustainability can be fully integrated into day-to-day manufacturing activities. The award-winning project focused on something highly practical: rethinking bicycle packaging. The cooperative has successfully eliminated plastic from its packaging, replacing it with recyclable paper and cardboard solutions. This required a complete redesign of the packaging system while maintaining the highest standards of product protection and quality.

As a result of this initiative, Orbea has achieved a direct and measurable environmental impact: approximately 1.35 kilograms less CO₂ emissions per bicycle, a significant reduction in single-use plastics and, consequently, an important step towards a more sustainable value chain. Julene Agirre, from Orbea's Environmental Department, accepted the award, stating: “Bicycles can change the way we move, but how we manufacture them matters just as much. We will keep pedalling to reduce our environmental impact.”

“Bicycles can change the way we move, but how we manufacture them matters just as much. We will keep pedalling to reduce our environmental impact.”

More awards

This year's list of winners reflects the wide range of initiatives driving the Sustainable Development Goals across the Basque Country. Award recipients included LaMia Women Hostel, honoured in the People category for its innovative model of accommodation and inclusion; the Peace Economy Laboratory of Gernika Gogoratuz, recognised for its work in promoting coexistence; Bilbao BSR, which received the Special Jury Award for the social impact of its adapted sports programme; and sustainability partnerships led by projects such as Giroa Veolia, Faes Farma, Vicrila, Deusto Cities Lab and the Alboan Foundation, recognised in the Prosperity category. Etorkizuna Musikatan also received an award for promoting artistic and cultural diversity.

Social projects, innovation initiatives and proposals linked to equality and peace shared the spotlight during an event that once again brought together companies, public institutions and third-sector organisations.