REI, BURTON, AND NEMO EQUIPMENT ACCELERATE TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY

Brands collaborate ​in a challenging market ​to ​advance ​solar energy ​investments ​with suppliers

Clean energy is best achieved by collective action. And that’s exactly what REI, Burton, and NEMO Equipment set out to do through OIA’s Vietnam Renewable Energy Impact CoLab. In collaboration with Allotrope Partners, these brands ideated sustainable solutions and accelerated their transition to cleaner energy. Vietnam is a key manufacturing hub for many OIA members, but its carbon-intensive electricity grid means it is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions. Vietnam’s growing clean energy market has opened the door for financially attractive on-site rooftop solar projects and off-site renewable energy procurement. However, COVID-related supply chain disruptions and evolving regulations have posed significant challenges in the Vietnam renewable energy market. These challenges inspired OIA to launch the Vietnam Renewable Energy CoLab to support members in navigating the challenging renewable energy landscape together. By bringing members together through the CoLab, members and their suppliers could collaborate on shared solutions to more effectively transition to renewable energy.  

“NEMO was excited to partner with Burton, REI, OIA, and Allotrope on the Vietnam Renewable Energy CoLab. NEMO has set a target to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 50% by 2030. So far, we’ve achieved a 36% reduction in emissions intensity per product, but to reach our goals, we need to partner with our supply chain. This CoLab is an example of collective action helping to accelerate emissions reductions,” Theresa McKenney, Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs, NEMO Equipment. 

OIA’s Impact CoLabs are collaborative, pre-competitive, emissions reduction initiatives led by OIA and service providers to help members meet their sustainability goals in less time and with less cost by working together. The Vietnam Renewable Energy CoLab focused on accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future by supporting suppliers with rooftop solar evaluations. The Impact CoLab enabled REI, Burton and NEMO to work collaboratively with suppliers to install 3.5 MW of power across five supplier facilities in Vietnam. 

“In order to achieve REI’s goal of more than halving emissions by 2030, we have to do a great deal of work with partners—from our manufacturing facilities to retailed brands. The CoLab presented an opportunity to engage deeply in that shared work. Our suppliers were able to gain a clear understanding of the “what”, “how” and “why” of procuring rooftop solar electricity in Vietnam”, said Evan Scandling, Supply Chain Decarbonization Lead, REI.

CoLab Results + Impact

The Vietnam Renewable Energy CoLab included five industry suppliers that joined together in an RFP that produced bids for five on-site rooftop systems totaling 3.5 MW, with power purchase agreement (PPA) prices ranging from 8-20% below the buyers’ current electricity rates and covering between 25-35% of the facilities’ electricity needs. Over the life of this project, market conditions have continued to evolve, with government approvals of operating and construction permits emerging as a challenge, along with buyer concerns over their ability to prioritize clean energy procurement during tough financial times. As the supplier facilities continue to work toward clean energy solutions, these proposals serve as a starting point and guidepost for what’s possible. 

Michelle Murphy Rogers, Senior Director of Allotrope’s Clean Energy Advisory Practice notes, “The OIA CoLab process offers an amazing opportunity to explore innovations on renewable energy procurement in a low-risk environment. This project incorporated time and cost-saving approaches to engage project developers and evaluate proposals that can be used in future procurements. Current market challenges in Vietnam underscore the need to work together to pursue new innovations like engaging buyers and developers to pair on-site solar with battery energy storage solutions to maximize system sizes and enhance reliability.” 

“Allotrope was a great partner throughout the project. They worked directly with our supplier to review the process, clearly laid out the evaluation of proposals, and worked hard to overcome challenges in a highly complex regulatory environment. We gleaned valuable learnings from the process”, said Emily Foster, Director of People & Planet Impact at Burton. 

Pre-Competitive Collaboration: OIA’s Impact CoLabs  

Climate change is one of, if not the most, crucial issues the outdoor industry faces today. If there is not a thriving environment to recreate in, outdoor businesses do not have a future. Collaboration is necessary to significantly reduce climate impacts in the outdoor industry; the problem is too large for individual companies to solve on their own. Companies must work together to decarbonize the global supply chain, and OIA provides an avenue with a clear path to do just that. OIA’s Impact CoLabs are collaborative, pre-competitive, emissions reduction initiatives led by OIA and service providers to help members meet their sustainability goals in less time and with less cost by working together.  Through OIA’s six Impact CoLabs, 19 OIA members have invested in collaborative emissions reduction projects across their supply chains – working collectively to maximize impact and protect our planet.  
 

“OIA recognizes that tackling climate action goals and reducing emissions can be a daunting journey for individual member companies. However, we also recognize the power of collective action. If we collaborate, we can move faster and realize significant emissions reductions. Through collaborations such as the Vietnam Renewable Energy CoLab, OIA supports members in making lasting impacts across their supply chains”, said Breana Nehls, OIA Sustainable Business Innovation Manager. “Together, we can be a force for sustainable growth.”

MiiR, Stanley, and YETI’s Bold Collaboration to Reduce Supply Chain Emissions

Three drinkware brands, one mission: protect the planet

Making a significant move to create a more sustainable future, three drinkware brands came together in a first-of-its-kind effort to reduce carbon emissions across the drinkware supply chain. Deemed the Drinkware CoLab, ​ MiiR, Stanley, and YETI, facilitated by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), spearheaded this collaboration to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. The brands invited four shared third-party suppliers to participate in the project and all parties provided financial and human resources to support the project. The scoped work of the CoLab launched in 2022 and was completed in early 2024.   

The primary goals of the project were to move industry suppliers to 100% renewable electricity and develop facility emissions reduction plans. The project supports OIA’s goal to take bold, collective action against climate change by reducing and removing greenhouse gas emissions across the outdoor industry, carving a new, bold path for others to follow.​ MiiR, Stanley, and YETI participated in the Drinkware CoLab through OIA’s Climate Action Corps, the outdoor industry’s collaborative model to lead on climate action.    

“It was a remarkable experience to work with YETI and Stanley to identify key strategies in reducing our collective footprints. The OIA team did a phenomenal job leading us through this process and we’re excited to get to work on the things we learned. Our hope is that this collaboration inspires other groups in the outdoor space to set aside competition for the sake of sustainability,” said Josh Stinger, Vice President of Supply Chain & Sustainability at MiiR. 

Reduction Roadmaps: Drinkware CoLab Impact

MiiR, Stanley, and YETI collectively nominated four factories and each of the facilities received management training, detailed greenhouse gas measurements of their facility, assistance in setting science-aligned emissions reduction targets, and a customized plan outlining steps to reduce their emissions.  The group identified a global service provider, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), to lead the assessment with each supplier.   

The emissions reduction action plans, or “roadmaps,” provide detailed information on sustainable actions that will improve energy management and reduce emissions. All opportunities were assessed and prioritized based on environmental impact and cost implications for each facility.   

“We know that deep engagement with our suppliers and other stakeholders is critical to ensure that our collective emissions reduction goals are in reach, said Emily Cichy, Senior Director, Corporate Responsibility at Stanley. By collaborating with Outdoor Industry Association, our suppliers, and these esteemed brands, we can help create a more sustainable world.” 

The Trail Ahead

MiiR, Stanley, and YETI are partnering with all four suppliers to ensure these roadmaps are implemented, and are planning to touch base with each other quarterly through OIA to share progress. They are also considering replicating the CoLab process with other strategic suppliers in their networks.  Interested in participating or learning more about CoLabs? Contact OIA at sustainability@outdoorindustry.org 

“The Drinkware CoLab gave YETI the chance to join an industry-wide initiative that aligns with our ongoing sustainability priorities to help keep the wild, wild,” Said Marty Duff, SVP, Supply Chain and Operations at YETI. “We are honored to help drive meaningful progress and help impact broad-based change.” 

Pre-Competitive Collaboration: OIA’s Impact CoLabs

Collaboration is necessary to significantly reduce climate impacts in the outdoor industry; the problem is too large for individual companies to solve on their own. Companies must work together to decarbonize the global supply chain. OIA’s Impact CoLabs are collaborative, pre-competitive, emissions reduction initiatives led by OIA and service providers to help members meet their sustainability goals in less time and with less cost by working together. Learn more about OIA’s Impact CoLabs here.  

 “The Drinkware CoLab provides members the opportunity to take bold, collective climate action. We know that individual companies cannot solve the climate crisis alone, they must come together to create shared solutions to reduce emissions across the supply chain”, said Breana Nehls, OIA Sustainable Business Innovation Manager. “OIA provides this invaluable collaboration space for members to make lasting impacts across their supply chains.” 

Pride Outside: LGBTQ+ Individuals are the Most Active Adult Cohort in Outdoor Recreation

This Pride Month, we’re celebrating the love that the LGBTQ+ community shows the outdoors all year long. From hiking and camping to paddleboarding and kayaking, LGBTQ+ individuals are recreating outside at a higher rate than any other adult cohort.

how is the LGBTQ+ community breaking barriers?

Members of the LGBTQ+ community make up 11.3% of the outdoor participant base (19.9M) and continue to be the most active adult cohort in outdoor recreation, with total participation rates above 60%. Furthermore, people who identify as bisexual had the highest participation rate at 65.6%. 

This month and every month, we celebrate that love is love everywhere – from urban parks to rugged peaks.

If you’re curious about the data and want to dive deeper, check out our recently released 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report.

OIA Expands Sustainable Business Innovation Programs

Sustainability has been central to OIA’s mission since 2007, when the first sustainability working group launched. Since then, our sustainability programming has continued to grow, fostering a culture of collaboration where members take the reins, determine the agenda, invest personally, and encourage partnership without succumbing to competitive barriers. 

Last week at our OIA Sustainability All-Member Webinar, we unveiled several exciting new opportunities for all members to connect and collaborate with peers grappling with similar challenges. Through these collaboration opportunities, we can join hands and address the complexities of chemicals and climate together.  

New Goals: OIA is leading the charge for a sustainable future

CAC Goal 

Take bold, collective action against climate change by reducing and removing greenhouse gas emissions across the outdoor industry, carving a bold new path for others to follow.  

Why the change? CAC’s old goal was to “Become the world’s first climate positive industry by 2030, setting a bold example for others around the world to follow.” While we still stand by this goal in spirit, the sustainability landscape is rapidly evolving. The term “climate positive” is no longer widely used and, in some cases, is even prohibited under certain rules and regulations concerning sustainability claims. Our updated goal reflects the evolving sustainability landscape, the need to align with science, and the focus on greenhouse gas reduction in order to prevent catastrophic climate change.  

CCMC Goal

Blaze the trail in the innovation and adoption of safer chemicals that deliver functional, durable, and trustworthy materials and products to our customers.  

CCMC is approaching its one-year birthday. Chemical regulations continue to progress at a rapid and disjointed rate. However, our members are now more prepared than ever to comply thanks to CCMC’s community and expertise. This goal represents all of the progress that CCMC has made in the past year, and the coalition’s future aspirations for safer chemistry in the industry.  

New Program Requirements 

  • Commit to Program Goals  
  • Share Annual Progress  

New Resources: Our Evolved Offerings for OIA Members

For both CAC and CCMC, we aspire to offer our members:  

  • Guidance – Approachable guidance with the basics of what you need to know in order to make progress towards the program goal.  
  • Trainings – Virtual events to engage and instruct members on addressing chemical and climate impacts.  
  • Tools – Recommended and discounted tools to help you measure your impacts and keep track of important legislative timelines.  
  • Community – Online communities, in-person events, and other opportunities to connect with your industry peers.  
  • Collaboration – CoLabs aimed at specific impact reduction initiatives and Task Forces where members roll up their sleeves to discuss innovative solutions to shared challenges.  

We hope that through these two programs, our members will:  

  • Comply with upcoming regulations  
  • Reduce industry emissions  50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050 (UNFCCC)  
  • Replace harmful substances with clean chemistry and materials  

New Collaboration Opportunities: Let’s Work Together

As we move towards our sustainability goals, we must move together, as an industry. It’s in this spirit that OIA is launching more collaboration opportunities for our members to investigate challenges, implement solutions, and progress the industry.   

OIA Impact CoLabs: Pre-Competitive 

Existing CoLabs (not recruiting):  

  • Tent Flammability (CCMC) – Change outdated laws in 7 states to no longer require flame retardants in tents   
  • Drinkware (CAC) – Carbon auditing, target setting, and decarbonization action planning for suppliers   
  • Clean Heat (CAC) – Creation of a decision support tool for the electrification of heating in textile plants    
  • Vietnam Renewable Energy (CAC) – Aggregated solar procurement for suppliers in Vietnam    
  • Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (CAC) – Aggregated solar procurement for owned and operated facilities (Scope 2)     
  • Carbon Leadership Project (CAC) – Carbon auditing, target setting, and decarbonization action planning for suppliers  

New CoLab (recruiting):  

  • Developing: Philippines RE (CAC) – OIA is collaborating with Allotrope Partners once again to give members the opportunity to explore clean energy at the Dong In Entech facility in the Philippines  

 

OIA Task Forces 

Task Forces are member-led and member-driven teams dedicated to addressing specific challenges and producing specific deliverables within a set period of time. Here are the task forces OIA is currently offering members: 

  • Aluminum Task Force 
  • Hardgoods Task Force 
  • PFAS Testing Task Force 
  • Supplier Climate Principles Task Force 
  • TSCA Task Force 
  • Sustainability Policy Task Force  
  • Recycled Inputs Task Force  

 

To learn more about OIA Sustainability, visit our OIA webpage, or reach out to sustainability@outdoorindustry.org.  

Comply Worldwide Webinar Series: Preparing for EU Sustainability Requirements

Register for the webinar series in your member portal

Click Here

The European Commission has passed several pieces of legislation that will impact the apparel, footwear, and outdoor industries worldwide. Companies importing products into Europe will need to comply with rigorous new requirements. These laws may also serve as a model for future requirements closer to home. “Comply Worldwide: Preparing for European Sustainability Requirements” is a webinar series that will teach attendees what legislation is here, what is coming, and how to prepare. Data collection on various sustainability topics is no longer a nice-to-have; it is a must-have to grow – or even keep – your business. We invite you to learn how these regulations impact you now and in the future.

Recording now live:
Intro to European Union Legislative Framework for Sustainable Innovation

June 26 at 10:00AM MT

 
 
 
 
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The European Union (EU) is cracking down on sustainability in the textile industry. If your outdoor brand is producing products or doing business in the EU, you need to begin your compliance efforts now.

Join our webinar with EU policy and textile industry experts for an overview of the most critical policy files that will impact the textile and fashion industry in the next years, including updated policy timelines and anticipated timelines for compliance for business. Most recently, the EU Commission has proposed a policy framework that would ensure the delivery of the vision laid out in the March 2022 EU Strategy for Sustainable Circular Textiles, which would require all textile products on the EU market to be durable, recyclable, made of recyclable and hazard-free materials, and produced with respect to social and environmental rights. Altogether, this policy framework will drive major shifts in terms of operation, production and corporate governance in the sector. You’ll leave this session with actionable insights on how your brand can best prepare for and comply with upcoming sustainability legislation in the EU and beyond.

Speaker: Pascale Moreau, Founder and Managing Director, Ohana Public Affairs.

 

Open to OIA Members

Greening the Game: Navigating the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for Equipment Manufacturers

July 11 at 9:00AM MT

If your company does business in the EU and imports steel, aluminum, iron, electricity, hydrogen, fertilizers, or cement from non-EU countries, you need to be aware of the new rules resulting from the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Regulation issued in May 2023. Beginning in 2026, economic operators will be required to purchase certificates to cover the emissions of these imports. Join our upcoming virtual education session to hear from Foundation of Energy and Security Innovation (FESI) experts about the impacts of this regulation, including which economic operators are currently affected and how your company can take steps to ensure compliance.

Speakers:

Jérôme Pero, FESI Secretary General
Chiara Mingozzi, FESI Junior Sustainability Policy Officer

Vittoria Sarcuni, ZPC Srl Consulting Trade Compliance Project Manager

 
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) Framework: Product Performance Requirements and Unsold Goods

July 23 at 11:00AM MT

Is your outdoor brand selling textile products in the EU? Join our webinar for a deep dive into the implications of the upcoming Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which will significantly impact eco-design requirements for textile products sold in the EU. You’ll gain insights from public affairs experts on the key obligations companies must meet, including disclosing the amount of unsold goods and adhering to bans on destroying unsold textile products.

Speaker: Analoli del Cueto, Junior Public Affairs Consultant, Ohana Public Affairs

 
Digital Product Passports (DPPs): The Concept That Will Make Your Products Communicate

August 6 at 10:00AM MT

As defined in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), a Digital Product Passport to be required on almost every product sold in the EU. Join this webinar to learn what this concept is, when it needs to be implemented, and how it aims to support decarbonization, a circular economy, and value chain traceability. It is recommended to attend the previous webinar on the ESPR for useful context.

Scope of the legislation: Market access legislation – The rules proposed under ESPR, including Digital Product Passports, will apply to all products placed on the EU market, whether produced inside or outside the EU.

Speaker: Jan Merckx, Sustainability Specialist, GS1 Nederland

 
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) & Forced Labour Regulation: Final Legislation & Implementation Recommendations 

August 22 at 11:00AM MT

It is expected that the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive will become a law during the summer with the progressive entry into application starting 2027. This legislation aims to ensure that EU companies and companies with a large turnover in the EU prevent and mitigate human rights and environmental harm within their operations globally.

The Forced Labour legislation requires EU and non-EU companies to know how the products they place in the EU market were manufactured with an implicit due diligence obligation in advance. It is expected this regulation comes into force in 2027.

Speaker: Natalia Yerashevich, Head of Transparency and Supply Chain, Ohana Public Affairs

 
Empowering Consumers and Green Claims Directive: Final Legislation & Implementation Recommendations

September 5 at 11:00AM MT

The European Union is about to finalize two important directives on voluntary sustainability claims: the Empowering Consumers Directive (ECGT) will cover generic claims, whereas Green Claims Directive (GCD) will target explicit environmental claims. The two initiatives will cover B2C claims on the product and company level made on the EU market. During the webinar, we will give a brief overview of obligations that both initiatives will bring for companies. We will present several examples of claims to show which initiative (ECGT or GCD) they would be subject to. Finally, we will give some high-level tips for implementation.

Speaker: Jedrzej Nadolny, Public Affairs Consultant in Transparency and Supply Chain, Ohana Public Affairs

 
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): Overview of the Upcoming Reporting Requirements

September 18 at 11:00AM MT

CSRD aims to foster streamlined sustainability reporting via European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The reporting shall cover environmental impacts, social and human rights, and governance factors, bringing information about the impacts they may cause in the environment and society. The regulation came into force in 2023 and it has a specific transition period (2024 to 2028) depending on the type of business.

Speaker: Jedrzej Nadolny, Public Affairs Consultant in Transparency and Supply Chain, Ohana Public Affairs

 
Product Environmental Footprint (PEF): Regulation Defining Product Impact Measurement

October 1 at 11:00AM MT

Does your company manufacture textile or footwear products? Are you interested in making any claims about the environmental impacts of your products? Join this webinar to get a better understanding of why the PEF initiative was needed, what your business will need to do to make a sustainability claim in Europe, and the methodology for calculating the environmental impacts of your products.

Speaker: Joël Mertens, Director, Higg Product Tools, Cascale

 

TRADE POLICY 101: DEMYSTIFYING SUPPLY CHAIN AND CUSTOMS COMPLIANCE

 

Live Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Supply chain management and customs compliance policy can be daunting. Designed specifically for those new to trade policy, this final session in OIA’s Capitol Summit Series provides you with the insights and tools to successfully navigate the world of international trade, including supply chain logistics, customs regulations, and trade policy. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of key concepts including import/export procedures, tariff classifications, trade agreements, and regulatory compliance. Our panel of seasoned experts and industry reps share real-world experiences, best practices, and actionable tips to help you better understand your supply chain operations and ensure compliance with customs requirements.

EVERY VOICE COUNTS: WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD OUTDOOR ACCESS FOR ALL

 

Live Date: May 14, 2024

Move equity in the outdoors forward and learn actionable ways to align your business strategy to inclusive growth. In this edition of OIA’s Capitol Summit Series, we dive into the challenges and solutions surrounding equitable outdoor recreation access, from policy solutions to grassroots advocacy and action. Hear from leaders in the outdoor industry and community advocates to learn what outdoor equity looks like from grassroots to grasstops. Whether you’re interested in federal advocacy or motivated to act locally, you’ll leave this session with tools to come together and catalyze meaningful change.

The Essentials of Advocacy: Navigating Your Path to Impact

Webinar date: May 7, 2024

Watch our webinar recording and learn how to advocate for the long-term health of the outdoors, outdoor participants, and your company’s bottom line. Industry policy experts share in-depth exploration of the policy landscape, why it’s relevant to your business, and how you can drive change at scale. From conservation and public lands management to sustainability initiatives and equitable access, we explore the key policy areas that impact our industry. Watch our webinar to feel empowered and ready to raise your voice.