59% have made measurable progress towards their GHG emissions reduction targets.
51%-2025 – CCMC
OIA’s Six-Step Roadmap for Chemicals Management
The outdoor industry thrives on innovation, performance, and a commitment to sustainability. Yet, as awareness of the environmental impact of business grows, companies are facing increasing pressure to align their products and supply chains with sustainable practices that prioritize safety and transparency.
Chemicals used in outdoor recreation products—from waterproof coatings to durable textiles —play a critical role in performance. However, many traditional formulations contain substances that pose risks to human health and ecosystems. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations, and consumers are demanding greater accountability from brands.
Recognizing this shifting landscape, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), through its Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition (CCMC), is equipping outdoor businesses like yours with the tools and strategies you need to take proactive steps toward safer, cleaner product development.
New OIA Resources: A Roadmap for Safer Products
To help organizations navigate chemical safety, compliance, and innovation, OIA is releasing two new resources to guide planning and implementation to reach sustainability goals.
- Chemicals Management Getting Started Guide – Available to all OIA members, this six-step framework outlines a clear roadmap for building safer, more responsible products.
- CCMC Guidebook – A comprehensive, 73-page resource for Support+ and Leadership members, featuring detailed checklists, case studies, and technical guidance on building a robust chemicals management program.
Both guides center around OIA’s six-step CCMC Pathway, which provides you with a structured approach to eliminating harmful chemicals, adopting safer alternatives, and integrating supply chain sustainability into long-term strategies.
Let’s explore these six steps and how your company can leverage them to build a safer, more sustainable business.
1. Discover: Map Your Chemistry Footprint
Before businesses can improve chemical safety, they need to understand their starting point. The first step in chemicals management is gaining visibility into your supply chain, materials, and potential chemical hazards.
Key actions:
- Map your supplier network – Understand where and how your products are made, including Tier 1 and upstream suppliers.
- Build a material inventory – Track what’s in your products, from base materials to performance treatments.
- Identify high-risk chemicals – Review industry-standard Restricted Substances Lists (RSLs) and emerging regulations, such as PFAS bans.
- Monitor evolving regulations – Stay ahead of national and international compliance requirements to avoid risks like product recalls.
Why this matters: Businesses that take a proactive approach to understanding their chemical footprint will reduce regulatory risks and build consumer trust.
2. Plan: Set Goals and Build a Strategy
Once a company understands its chemical risks, the next step is to set clear objectives and create an action plan for safer chemistry.
Key actions:
- Define internal and external goals – Set measurable targets for eliminating harmful chemicals and adopting safer alternatives.
- Assign responsible teams – Ensure cross-functional collaboration across product development, compliance, and sourcing teams.
- Develop a phased action plan – Outline short-term compliance goals and long-term innovation strategies.
- Ensure supplier accountability – Work with manufacturers to implement clear, enforceable chemical policies.
Why this matters: A strategic plan keeps businesses on track, ensuring chemicals management efforts align with business sustainability goals.
3. Act: Implement Safer Practices
With a plan in place, companies must now take action to integrate safer chemistry into product development and supply chain management.
Key actions:
- Adopt a Restricted Substances List (RSL) – Align with industry standards to ensure compliance across product lines.
- Implement a robust testing program – Establish procedures for monitoring chemicals at various stages of production.
- Communicate expectations with suppliers – Clearly define what materials and formulations are acceptable.
- Phase out high-risk chemicals – Proactively replace harmful substances with verified safer alternatives.
Why this matters: Companies that act now to implement safer chemicals management will be better positioned for future regulations and market demands.
4. Accelerate: Strengthen Supplier Partnerships & Drive Innovation
Once the foundation of a chemicals management program is in place, the next step is to scale impact through continuous improvement and innovation.
Key actions:
- Move beyond compliance – Establish Manufacturing Restricted Substances Lists (MRSLs) to control chemical inputs, not just finished products.
- Implement supplier chemicals management systems – Work directly with manufacturers to improve chemical safety practices.
- Explore green chemistry innovations – Invest in safer material alternatives that enhance product durability and performance.
- Leverage data-driven decision-making – Use testing insights and supplier audits to refine chemical safety strategies.
Why this matters: Forward-thinking organizations go beyond compliance—they lead with innovation and corporate environmental responsibility.
5. Advocate: Shape the Future of Safer Chemistry
The outdoor industry must work collaboratively to drive systemic change. Businesses that engage in policy advocacy and industry partnerships can help shape a greener future for outdoor products.
Key actions:
- Support public policies that promote safer alternatives and sustainability in business.
- Engage with policymakers to influence chemical safety regulations.
- Collaborate with industry groups – Join coalitions like OIA’s CCMC to share best practices and research.
- Invest in sustainable chemistry startups to accelerate eco-friendly business solutions.
Why this matters: Companies that take an active role in shaping the future of chemicals management will help set industry standards, rather than simply reacting to them.
6. Share: Build Trust Through Transparency
Consumers expect companies to be honest and transparent about their sustainability efforts. Clear communication about chemicals management builds credibility and loyalty.
Key actions:
- Provide verifiable data – Back up environmental claims with testing results and certifications.
- Educate consumers – Help customers understand why safer chemistry matters and how it enhances product performance.
- Avoid misleading green claims – Ensure all sustainability messaging is accurate and compliant with greenwashing laws.
- Report progress publicly – Share chemicals management milestones in sustainability reports and marketing materials.
Why this matters: Transparent organizations build stronger consumer relationships while staying ahead of corporate sustainability regulations.
Taking the First Step Toward Safer, Smarter Products
Adopting robust chemicals management practices is no longer optional — it’s a business imperative. Companies that fail to act risk regulatory penalties, supply chain disruptions, and consumer backlash.
By following OIA’s six-step roadmap, your company can:
- Reduce regulatory risk and stay ahead of evolving laws.
- Enhance brand trust through credible sustainability efforts.
- Leverage sustainable innovation to create high-performance, low-impact products.
- Strengthen supplier relationships for a resilient, responsible supply chain.
The Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition (CCMC) is here to help. Whether you’re just getting started or refining an existing program, OIA’s new Chemicals Management Getting Started Guide and CCMC Guidebook provide the tools and resources you need.
Learn more and access the resources at outdoorindustry.org.
The Outdoor Industry Summits Capitol Hill
Last week, more than 80 outdoor industry business leaders joined forces in Washington, D.C. for our annual OIA Capitol Summit. This convening has always been an opportunity for outdoor business leaders to unite, share their stories with Congress, and advocate for the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and its 181 million participants.
But this year was different.
This year, Capitol Summit came at a time of intensifying pressure for our industry—and many industries—as we face the headwinds of a rapidly changing policy environment.
The lingering threat of President Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy, purported to go into effect on July 9, poses an existential crisis for the outdoor industry. The impacts are pervasive—not only are small- and medium-sized businesses wondering if they will make it through the next year (or even the next few months) due to lack of clarity, halted inventory planning, and irreplaceable relationships with technical manufacturers overseas, but consumers will bare the burden of higher price tags, too.
Equally as urgent, our public lands—the very backbone of our industry and of the American experience—are under threat of being sold off to fund President Trump’s domestic policy agenda. The administration has already made drastic workforce cuts to the Department of the Interior (DOI), US Forest Service (USFS), and National Park Service (NPS). As the summer season swiftly approaches, the potential of trail closures and campground shutdowns remains unclear.
These issues are decisive for our industry and come on top of a whole host of policy priorities that OIA already pushes on a regular basis, including Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) renewal, Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) review, and Legacy Restoration Fund reauthorization.
If ever there was a mission-critical moment for the outdoor industry to show up on The Hill, this was it. And that we did.
Our members came out in full force to deliver a clear message:
Congress must act to protect outdoor businesses from the existential threat of new tariffs and safeguard the public lands that power our economy and American way of life.
Small outdoor business founders, outdoor retail store owners, and long-time outdoor industry stalwarts shared their lived experiences with representatives on both sides of the aisle and advocated for common ground solutions that foster innovation and fuel the economy.
Last week, we made an impact. But there’s still work to do.
Read on for a recap of our Education and Lobby days, and to learn more about how you can join forces with OIA and outdoor business leaders to safeguard our industry.
Education Day: Equipping Business Leaders with Stats for Success
On Day 1 of Capitol Summit, the industry convened for a full day of education sessions on top priority policies to address on The Hill. Attendees heard from political representatives including Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE), as well as outdoor industry policy experts and business leaders on the state of key trade and recreation policies, including:
- Reciprocal tariffs
- GSP renewal
- MTB review
- Legacy Restoration Fund reauthorization
- Federal workforce cuts
- Public lands protection
- Outdoor recreation economic output
- Outdoor recreation participation demographics
Learn more about these policies and advocacy opportunities here.
Lobby Day: Raising Our Outside Voices on The Hill
Equipped with outdoor economy data and policy briefs, OIA members trekked to The Hill to share their stories.
Members met directly with key political stakeholders on both sides of the aisle, including Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (D-OR-3), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1), Congressman Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-2), Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO-2), Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT-1), Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Members shared personal stories about the real-world implications of these policies—business owners’ livelihoods are on the line due to tariff increases, gateway communities are struggling to sustain themselves with park service staffing cuts, outdoor recreationists question whether their favorite trails and parks will be open this summer, and consumers face the likelihood of even greater price hikes and inflation as the economy becomes increasingly unstable.
Rappelling Off The Summit: Industry Reflections
At the end of our day on The Hill, we looked to the future and asked the question, “What now?” Our members say it best:
“What can you do? Speak up. Share your story. Call your reps. Lead with facts, but speak from the heart. The door is cracking open—we need to push. We need to keep raising our voices now more than ever.” — Cassie Abel, Founder and CEO at Wild Rye (Read more here)
“Simply put, tell your story. If your business is threatened by these policies, if you have stopped hiring or started firing, are cutting back on investment and innovation and becoming less competitive globally, tell these stories to your elected representatives…Your story can make a difference.” — Damien Huang, OIA Board Member and Outdoor Industry Leader (Read more here)
“Our business advocacy didn’t end yesterday, and it certainly won’t end until we get through this storm. Together we are a force, and yesterday we showed that…Please call your reps (especially if you live in a republican district) as this crisis is going to affect all of us; whether it’s your company, your job, or the price that you’re going to pay for pretty much everything.” — Jason Parkin, OIA Board Member and Founder/President & CCO of Compose[d] (Read more here)
“As I write this, after a long day on the Hill and watching the Senate debate trade reform, I can tell you this: only public pressure will save the American economy…If nothing changes: Many small retailers like mine won’t make it through the next 12 months. Big corporate brands might survive. Most small ones won’t…But if enough people raise their voices: There’s still time. These businesses can still survive if change is made now…” — Wes Allen, Principal at Sunlight Sports (Read more here)
Our Trek Continues: OIA is Here to Help You Navigate the Path
As the July 9th deadline for the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs approaches, and as the fate of our public lands and park stewards remains uncertain, you can look to us as a source of truth on policy outcomes and a guide on how to navigate their implications.
Register for our next live Policy Town Hall on May 20 at 12:30pm MT to get the latest updates on tariffs and public lands in our next.
Are you a small business owner bearing the weight of tariffs? Share your story with Congress: House Small Business Committee Tariff Questionnaire
What Does Retail Growth Look Like In 2025?
By Kyle Frost
The latest Outdoor Industry Association Retail Trends Report shows a market in transition. Participation is at an all-time high, retail dollars are moving, and outdoor gear has officially crossed over into the fashion and lifestyle world. On the surface, things look alright, but when we dig a little deeper, things get far more complicated.
We’re seeing more and more casual consumers getting outside, and they’re buying differently. That shift isn’t inherently bad; more people outside is something everyone has been pushing for. But here’s the tension: despite growth in participation, fewer consumers are leveling up into committed, gear-hungry outdoorists. Casual users tend to buy less and buy on sale. And the more we condition them to expect discounts, the harder it becomes to maintain pricing power or build long-term brand equity.
Discount addiction
Sales numbers may look relatively stable, but unit sales have plateaued. The post-COVID discount cycle, with prevalent blanket promotions and endless markdowns, has trained customers to wait for the next deal.. This undermines specialty retail, devalues premium products, and creates a dangerous dependence on discounting to move inventory.
To break that cycle, brands will need more than just a better pricing strategy. They’ll need better engagement through loyalty programs that reward activity, not just spending; educational content that builds confidence; and in-store and online experiences that create an emotional connection. In a flat market, market share is won not with less expensive products, but with more reasons to care about your brand vs others.
Where the spending is
So where are people still spending? Accessories are one of the few bright spots where lifestyle trends and healthy margins still align. They’re convenient entry points and impulse buys and often satisfy the ‘multi-use’ desires of casual participants. But, they can also be trend-driven, which means that pace and ‘taste’ matter. Think fast-turn, lower-volume SKUs that are sustainable, stylish, and versatile.
Meanwhile, big-ticket technical gear is a tougher sell. Fewer consumers are dropping $1,000 on kayaks. Instead, they’re birding, backyard lounging, or wrapping up overlanding trips at a brewery. These types of big purchases are a harder sell in a market built around comfort and convenience. This doesn’t mean the hardcore segment is gone, but it might mean that the demand isn’t there right now.
And we can’t ignore running. It’s still booming, reshaping how brands and buyers approach footwear and apparel and shows no signs of slowing. If your brand doesn’t have a strategy to engage runners—either through product or positioning—you’re missing one of the biggest growth opportunities in the space.
Demographics matter as well, and the industry is still missing the mark with nearly half its audience. Women make up nearly half of outdoor participants and consistently outspend men on apparel, yet men’s categories continue to lead in overall sales. This feels like old news, but it seems like most progress in this vein has been made outside the core outdoor industry. Legacy outdoor brands continue to lag behind more athleisure-forward competitors (both in and outside the “core” outdoor space) who have been able to successfully tap into branding and marketing approaches that resonate more strongly with women outdoorists.
The elephant in the room
While not yet reflected in the data, rising import costs threaten to push prices beyond key psychological thresholds, particularly in categories where demand has been driven by casual, discretionary purchases. Tariffs may be designed to incentivize domestic production, but for many outdoor brands, that’s not realistic. OIA recently hosted a webinar on the new tariffs, and I’ve previously written about how even “Made in the USA” labels often mask a deeper global dependence: zippers from Japan, membranes from Taiwan, stitching in Vietnam, etc. While some brands assemble products domestically or run small-scale production operations, the vast majority of outdoor gear manufacturing still happens in Asia. Brands can’t simply swap in domestic factories without losing access to innovation, capacity, and speed.
When those prices inch up, consumers may hesitate to buy accessories that currently feel like impulse buys. Will the ‘drinkware’ category survive a 20-30% price increase? Running is a hot market, but shoes creeping from $170 to $200 (or more) could slow growth. And big-ticket technical gear? Even tougher to move. Depending on overall economic trends, seasonal or infrequent users may simply drop out of the funnel.
The outdoor market is deeply tied to emotionally driven spending. Customers don’t always “need” gear—they want to feel inspired by it (or look good in the newest styles). As prices inch up, the balance between that emotional and financial value could start to tip in the wrong direction. As prices increase, casual consumers who don’t carry “the outdoors” as part of their core identity will likely spend less.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Consumers have grown price-sensitive, and the industry has trained them in recent years to expect discounts. As tariffs push MSRPs higher, retailers may struggle to maintain margins without deepening discounts, which cuts against their ability to grow or even survive. It’s a Catch-22: raise prices and lose customers, or discount and destroy margin.
Can circularity move more mainstream?
This is where circularity becomes more than a sustainability talking point. It’s likely that rising prices will push more consumers toward secondhand platforms, whether that’s peer-to-peer marketplaces, local consignment, or white-label resale programs. Some brands have already invested in resale infrastructure, largely in the name of sustainability. But 2025 might be the year where circularity becomes a core part of more business strategies. Not just to meet ESG goals, but to offer consumers more price-accessible options (and sustain brand relationships and revenue) in a market where the price points of new gear feel out of reach, or at least make consumers more apprehensive.
The smartest brands will integrate resale more directly into their digital and retail ecosystems, as well as their overall brand story. Circularity isn’t just a defense against pricing pressure. It can be a way to extend the product lifecycle, capture value from second sales, and keep customers in your ecosystem longer.
Where does that leave us?
Tariffs, pricing pressure, and shifting behaviors will test every assumption. There’s no doubt that we’re entering the first months of 2025 with significant uncertainties about almost everything in the industry. But brands that stay nimble, invest in community and experience, and build for both the first purchase and long-term engagement? Those are the ones that may weather the uncertain waters ahead with the greatest stability.
Want to dive deeper into the data behind these trends? Download the 2025 Outdoor Industry Retail Trends Report Executive Summary. and join our free webinar Thursday April 17th at 1 pm MT. OIA members get access to the full report and 2024 data in the OIA Member Portal.