In the world of sustainable innovation, few companies have been as successful at merging environmental responsibility and recreational fun as Glice. At the forefront is Viktor Meier, CEO and co-founder of Glice, a company revolutionizing the sport of skating with its eco-friendly artificial ice rinks.
Let’s learn more about Meier, who speaks candidly about his life, setbacks, successes, and future aspirations for Glice.
The Birth of an Eco-Friendly Skating Solution
A love of sports and a passion for sustainability ignited the concept of Glice.
“While exploring different ways to contribute, I noticed that traditional ice rinks consumed an enormous amount of energy and water. My co-founder and I wanted to create an eco-friendly alternative—Glice—that would provide a sustainable skating experience without compromising the joy of the sport,” he recounts.
Knowing the need for a more sustainable alternative, they developed Glice, an artificial high-performance ice that eliminates refrigeration without eliminating the joy of skating.
Overcoming Skepticism
Bringing the vision of Glice to life was not a simple task. For Meier, one of the biggest challenges was convincing people that synthetic ice could be as good as, or even superior to, natural ice.
“Early on, we faced skepticism from both the public and potential partners. It took time, persistence, and a lot of demonstrations to prove that Glice could indeed deliver high performance while being sustainable,” he recalls. Through intensive and continuous work, the company managed to change perceptions over time and gain widespread acceptance.
Achievements and International Expansion
Glice has become a global brand, and its ice rinks are now in more than 100 countries. It’s among Meier’s most beloved professional accomplishments.
“We’ve brought our rinks to over 100 countries, allowing people to skate in places where ice would otherwise be impossible or environmentally damaging,” he says. More than the figures, Meier is proud to have built a business that resonates with his values—bringing sports and sustainability together to drive positive change.
The Future of Glice
Looking to the future, Meier predicts further growth, especially in markets where ice skating cannot be accommodated because of climatic or financial limitations.
“We aim to make synthetic ice not just an alternative but a mainstream option that is as respected and accepted as traditional refrigerated ice, especially in professional sports,” he states.
One of the primary areas of focus is debunking the myth that synthetic ice can’t perform as well as real ice. To counter this, Glice collaborates with sporting organizations and athletes to showcase the performance of the product.
“The technology behind our product has evolved tremendously, allowing professional skaters to train and compete without losing performance quality,” Meier says. He believes that in regions with warmer climates, where it is costly and unsustainable to maintain real ice, synthetic ice can be revolutionary.
Advice to Future Entrepreneurs
For future entrepreneurs who wish to set up their own venture, Meier has some down-to-earth advice: “Start small but think big. You don’t have to have everything figured out from day one. Focus on solving a real problem and staying true to your values.”
He also advises persistence since issues are bound to arise but should not stop entrepreneurs from pursuing their ideas. “Most importantly, make sure your venture has a purpose beyond profit—something that makes a meaningful difference.”
Viktor Meier: Final Words
Beyond work, Viktor Meier believes in considerate innovation. He thinks business entities nowadays owe it to themselves, as well as society, to ensure a positive footprint and integrate sustainability into business planning. “If we can all aim to leave the planet a little better than we found it, we’ll be on the right track,” he adds.
Through Glice, Viktor Meier is showing that sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive. His story is a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs and companies wishing to develop purposeful solutions that are good for humans and the world.
