Deceuninck-QuickStep has signed a three-year contract with water treatment company Ekopak.

Founded in 2004, the Belgian company will sponsor the jersey. The company specializes in providing purified water to industry and has since branched out into the design, construction, and operation of systems that reuse rainwater, surface water, and wastewater to help companies limit their water use.

"Like cyclists, businesses cannot perform without water," says CEO Pieter Roos. 'Eco-Pac provides innovative solutions to purify, treat, and recycle water worldwide. Through our products and services, up to 90% of wastewater can be converted into process water."

"What unites Wolfpack and Ecopack is a clear way of working: sustainable, international, and performance-oriented. The ultimate goal for both of us is to win, and to win again."

Deceuninck-QuickStep launched the #ItStartsWithUs environmental campaign in 2020, announcing its commitment to becoming carbon neutral, recycling, and reducing plastic use. The team has partnered with CO2logic to support projects in Uganda and France to offset emissions generated by the team's cars and international travel.

"The team has a lot in common with Eco-Pac, especially our ItStartsWithUs campaign, which perfectly matches their commitment to sustainability," said Patrick Lefebvre, team CEO. 'Together we hope to grow internationally and set an example. Without water, riders cannot win. Without water, riders cannot win. Water is an essential product that we use all the time. Improving quality through recycling technology is the future, and we are pleased to take the next step in this direction."

This is not the only sponsorship change announced by Deceuninck-QuickStep this season, as the team announced earlier this year that PVC extrusion company Deceuninck would be exiting at the end of 2021. However, QuickStep Floors, which first sponsored the team in 2003, will extend its partnership for another six years. The Quick-Step brand Alphavinyl will also become a secondary sponsor, and the team will be known as Quick-Step Alphavinyl next season.

The team not only signed long-term contracts with key sponsors, but also with several key riders. Remco Evenpole is under contract until 2026, while Tour of Flanders champion Caspar Asgreen and world champion Julien Alaphilippe are under contract until 2024.