Streetplant
ActiveOverview
Street Plant is an independent skateboard company founded by legendary skateboarder Mike Vallely and his daughter Emily Vallely in 2015. The company operates out of Vallely's garage in Long Beach, California, and specializes in sustainable, environmentally friendly skateboards under its Street Plant Naturals line. The brand is known for its commitment to reducing environmental impact through eco-conscious manufacturing practices, including the use of bio-based epoxy and water-based inks and sealants.
History
Street Plant was officially launched in 2015 by Mike Vallely, a pioneering street skater who turned professional in 1987 and was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2021, along with his daughter Emily Vallely. The company was developed in close collaboration with Daniel Creadon, owner of Factory13 Skateboards, who has worked in the industry since 1999. Vallely and Creadon undertook an extended development process to create a resin-based board comprised of seven pieces of maple ply that minimizes environmental impact. The company operates as a 100% independent skateboarding brand without outside funding, maintaining a family-operated structure.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Street Plant Naturals | Sustainable, eco-friendly skateboards | $45 - $110 |
| Street Plant Mini Boards | Smaller format boards for younger skaters | $45 - $110 |
| Street Plant Collaboration Series | Limited edition boards with partner brands | $65 - $110 |
Manufacturing
Street Plant boards are manufactured using environmentally sound practices developed in collaboration with Factory13 Skateboards. Production involves bio-based epoxy and water-based inks and sealants to eliminate oils and animal byproducts. Each board is a resin-based construction comprised of seven pieces of maple ply, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainable skateboard production.
Notable Products
- Street Plant Family Crest Dandelion Street Axe (9.5) - Full-size deck featuring the brand's signature family crest design
- Street Plant Anti-Depressant Popsicle (8.5) - Mid-size deck with distinctive graphics
- Street Plant Powell Peralta Mini Vallely Elephant Yellow Complete Skateboard (8.0) - Complete skateboard collaboration with Powell Peralta featuring Vallely branding
- Street Plant Garageland Mini (7.375) - Smaller format board named after Vallely's garage workspace
Reputation
Street Plant is respected within the skateboarding community for its authentic, independent approach and commitment to environmental sustainability in an industry not typically known for eco-consciousness. The brand benefits from Mike Vallely's legendary status as a pioneering street skater and cultural figure who helped bring skateboarding into the mainstream. The company's family-operated structure and refusal of outside funding appeal to skaters valuing authenticity and independence. The sustainable manufacturing practices represent a notable differentiation, though the brand remains relatively niche compared to larger skateboard manufacturers.
Sources (6)
- https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/a34758199/made-here-street-plant-skateboards/
- https://www.skateboardstickers.com/blogs/skateboard-companies-about-and-history/about-street-plant-skateboards
- https://www.boardriding.com/brands/street-plant
- https://skateparkoftampa.com/blogs/skaters/mike-vallely
- https://talentwargroup.com/jedburghpodcast/064-mike-vallely-founder-of-street-plant-skateboards-lead-singer-of-black-flag/
- https://theboardr.com/post/Mike_Vallely_Street_Plant_Brand