Socially Responsible
Socially Responsible
Eco-conscious. Promoting inclusion and ethical manufacturing since the beginning.
Our Fabrics
In order to make industry-leading bags and panniers, we need locally sourced materials that can live up to our, and your expectations. Multiple factors weight in on our choice of fabrics: eco responsible, lightweight, resistant to abrasion and tear, durable, waterproof or breathable and water repellent. We use the best fabrics that perform to the highest standards.
Cordura®
Cordura® 1000D is a strong, tear-resistant nylon fabric used in military clothing and high-end outdoor gear. It's made in the USA, now C0 DWR and breathable, reducing odor and moisture. Its longevity makes it eco-friendly.
Several cyclists still use their Arkel panniers made of Cordura® 1000D after 20 years!
X-Pac™
Fabrics from X-Pac™ were originally manufactured for sailboats, but their exceptional properties make them perfect for the design of bicycle bags and panniers. They are 100% climate neutral and contain recycled, bio-based, or sustainably sourced materials.
Arkel use VX21, RX30, X11 and X50 Tactical fabrics that are 3 ply laminated into a single sheet, making them each unique, waterproof, UV-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. These, made in the USA.
Ecopak™
Arkel has recently introduced Challenge Ecopak™ fabrics, which are composite fabric made with 100% recycled fiber and film. Constructed with REPREVE® rPET fiber, Ecopak fabric lasts longer, absorbs 80% less moisture, and has better UV resistance and color retention than traditional laminated nylon.
The fabrics are also fluorocarbon-neutral (C0 DWR). They are waterproof, making bags made with Ecopak™ even more weather-resistant.
Arkel use EPX, EPLX and ULTRA fabrics series.
Au revoir bad chemicals
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have gained significant attention and concern due to their widespread presence in the environment and potential health risks. By the end of 2023, all of our bags made with Cordura will be free of PFAS. This concerns all bags from our Signature Series and more.
Ethical Manufacturing
80% of our bags and panniers are made right here, in Canada.
Our Facilities
Sherbrooke, Canada
All of our bags, panniers and accessories are designed in our office near Montreal, Canada. When it comes to production and assembly of our products, we try to do as much as possible in our production facility. These products are made of the real Dupont Cordura fabric and X-Pac™ eco responsible fabrics, no cheap copy or substitute. We source them locally from the USA, our close neighbors to the south.
When it comes to our production crew, we strive for a quality-first approach: we prioritize quality over production pace in our ceaseless quest to offer the very best bags on the market.
Overseas Partners
We take great pride in being a Canadian company and we’re not ashamed to admit that we also work with overseas manufacturers for several reasons. Indeed, our foreign partners use specialized equipments and trained adult personnel in order to produce Arkel gear. These partners are located in China and Vietnam.
Once made, these pieces are shipped to Canada for further assembly and quality inspection by our team. By structuring our operations this way, we believe we allow Arkel to strive and prosper in a global market dominated by giants, all while staying true to our values.
For any further questions, feel free to contact us.
Social Inclusivity
Arkel is a place where people matter, creating and giving back to the community is second nature.
Social Inclusivity
Since 2003, we have been working with a lively crew from CRDITED Estrie – a social service program for folks with intellectual disabilities and pervasive development disorders. They help with the assembly of our Cam-Lock mounting system, putting together our user guides, cutting bungee cords and webbing, and much more right here with us every day!
We think of them as family around here.
To know more about our fabrics and components
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