Sustainability in Action: Insights from the Inaugural Catalyst Conference

By Meg Carney

The inaugural Catalyst Conference, hosted by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) from November 13-14, united outdoor industry leaders, innovators, and advocates to address sustainability challenges and strengthen their collective impact. Over two days, participants explored strategies to innovate, collaborate, and address pressing environmental issues impacting industry businesses and participants.  

Julie Brown, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at OIA, opened the event with a powerful call to action: “The outdoor industry is uniquely positioned to lead the charge for sustainable change. And so we must ask ourselves if not us, then who?”  

Within the last five or more years, the outdoor industry has seen a value shift. While we’ve always been an industry loudly championing environmental conservation, we often grappled with the fact that we cannot sell more and reduce our impact at the same time. During the Catalyst Conference, industry leaders from brands like Patagonia, W.L. Gore & Associates, REI, Outdoor Research, and more shared their optimism and ideas as we move into a new generation of product production centered around sustainability and climate action. 

As the outdoor sector navigates shifting political landscapes, tightening regulations, and increasingly eco-conscious consumers, its leaders emphasize one unifying truth: the industry’s strength lies in its ability to innovate, collaborate, and act with integrity.  

Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainability

During the conference, participants tackled conversations regarding timely sustainability challenges. Presentations and panel discussions centered around topics such as climate change, global supply chain complexities, and evolving consumer demands.  

Eric Artz, CEO of REI Co-op, highlighted the need for resilience and adaptability. “There’s always opportunity, but it requires us to think differently and engage differently than we have in the past,” he stated.  

Even now, as an industry, thinking differently and engaging with the environment needs to look different. One clear issue we all face is the existential threat of the climate crisis, but while sustainability leaders push for new innovations, financial backing and the business of profit don’t always support or at the very least, push back, providing consistent challenges to our progress as an industry. 

Artz also pointed to the growing importance of state and local action, citing the success of recent ballot measures addressing public lands and climate policies. “Given the choice and education, consumers want to make the better choice,” he added, emphasizing the power of informed decision-making.  

Consumers now more than ever expect more from companies, and it has become increasingly obvious that consumers in the outdoor sector look to brands to be transparent and truthful. Not only that, but to take accountability for their shortcomings and the impact they have, whether positive or negative. 

Panelists like Jacqueline Levy of OIA encouraged businesses to engage policymakers at all levels, underscoring the need for outdoor companies to serve as advocates and connectors to drive systemic change.  

Industry Innovations and Collaboration

Throughout the Catalyst Conference, speakers showcased their individual and collective advancement in pushing the boundaries of sustainability. Artz described REI’s use of bioengineered yarns as an example of progress. “One of the most innovative things we do is open source and collaborate on everything,” he said, reinforcing the importance of collective effort.  

Collaboration was a primary theme of conference panel discussions and is something the outdoor industry has done well for some time. Brands like REI have immense power and influence within the industry as a whole, and within their collaborative pursuits can create frameworks for others to follow. 

Kelly Hughes of Ruffwear detailed how product redesigns are reducing emissions. By leveraging tools like the Higg Index, Ruffwear identifies opportunities to optimize material usage, streamline production, and ensure that new designs outperform older ones in sustainability metrics.  

Efforts like redesigns are an essential part of reducing our impact and carbon footprint, but is it enough? At the end of the day, all of these brands have one common goal: to sell more products. The actual production and energy consumption required to do this are immense and often reflect the largest percentage of their carbon emissions. 

To combat this impact, Ryan Kelly of W.L. Gore & Associates highlighted the company’s renewable energy projects, such as “Kentucky Fried Solar,” which are transforming manufacturing operations. Meanwhile, Stanley demonstrated how collaborative efforts through OIA’s drinkware initiative are helping suppliers decarbonize while driving industry-wide change.  

All of these initiatives are a step in the right direction, but are part of a much-needed bigger strategy that reflects a broader trend: sustainability can no longer be an optional add-on but must be a core business principle. As Ashley LaPorte of Burton Snowboards explained, “We can’t be profitable on a failing planet.”  

Leadership Perspectives

For many of these initiatives to be successful, sustainability must be central to organizational strategies. 

Artz advocated for companies to tie their efforts to measurable business outcomes. “Ensure that your purpose is centered on your principles. Sustainability can’t just be a feel-good initiative; [there] has to be a business case,” he emphasized.  

Something that stuck with me the most from all of the discussions was the idea that everyone on the sustainability team should have a friend in the finance department. Decarbonization is a huge challenge that ours and many industries struggle to achieve, and a big part of the delay is the lack of funding to make these changes. If, as an industry, we are claiming to lead the charge in sustainability, we need to, in a sense, put our money where our mouth is, and invest in carbon reduction efforts more aggressively. 

With issues as large as climate change, it can be hard to put into perspective until climate disasters meet us at our front doors. In many instances, those impacted the most by climate change and environmental harm have a socioeconomic disadvantage and are overlooked throughout the product development process. 

Leah Thomas, founder of Intersectional Environmentalist, introduced the “curb cut theory” to illustrate how designing solutions for society’s most vulnerable benefits the collective in the long run. “Start with environmental justice because it ends up benefiting everyone,” she explained, encouraging companies to align their efforts with community needs.  

As an industry, we can and should also support employees most affected by climate impacts, according to LaPorte, who suggests resilience funds and stronger community-focused initiatives. “Employers are trusted more than the government to do the right thing,” she noted, referencing the Edelman Trust Barometer to highlight businesses’ unique position of influence.

Building a Sustainable Future

The path forward requires systemic change and coalition building, a theme many speakers echo. Levy reminded attendees of the industry’s significant economic influence. “This is a $1.1 trillion bipartisan powerhouse that can get things done,” she said. This sentiment highlights how companies can use their collective strength to drive policy change.  

Ashley LaPorte of Burton Snowboards and Troy Sicotte of Mountain Hardware called for businesses to align sustainability goals with financial targets. They emphasized the importance of anticipating challenges and preparing for stricter regulations on emissions, toxic substances, and materials even before regulations push them to do so.  

If the rapid phase-out of PFAS taught the outdoor industry anything, it should be to act before being regulated to do so. We need to follow the science and be able to substantiate claims not only for marketing purposes but also for the integrity of our industry and the future of the planet. 

Some speakers explored the importance of proactive approaches to regulatory compliance. Alex Lauver of Outdoor Research noted, “Stop being so reactive. There’s going to be more restrictions, so how can we prepare?” This shows the urgency for the industry to stay ahead of evolving requirements while maintaining its commitment to sustainability.  

Community and Consumer Engagement

Consumers drive the market, and throughout the conference, many speakers highlighted the importance of consumers and communities in driving change. Artz reiterated the need for transparency in communicating with customers: “Every time we put choice in front of informed customers, they will make the better choice with us.”  

But we should not rely solely on customers to make those decisions for us. Each brand has a distinct responsibility to learn and then inform to become better advocates and examples for their customers. If consumers are looking to brands as an authority on topics such as sustainability and climate change, it should not be them holding us accountable, but us setting a higher precedent and expectation of their consumption. 

Our supply chain impacts are one way to do this, but another is to be more civically involved. Levy detailed strategies for engaging policymakers, including fly-ins, congressional briefings, and public education campaigns. These efforts build trust and amplify the industry’s voice in legislative spaces.  

While we have a long way to go to meet our climate goals, a sense of optimism prevails as we reflect on the first and hopefully not the last Catalyst Conference. The panels, speakers, and discussions seemed to inspire participants to lead the outdoor industry—and the planet—toward a more sustainable future. 

Still, this Catalyst Conference left one lingering thought in the closing remarks from Kevin Myette of Bluesign for industry leaders and advocates: 

‘We get to choose where we are on this trail. Are there any crusaders amongst you? Are we at an end, or a beginning’? I’ll be curious to see how we can leverage collective equity and transform obstacles into opportunities, to ensure a thriving future for people, the planet, and the products that connect us.



Meg Carney is an outdoor and environmental journalist, author, executive producer, and podcast host specializing in outdoor product coverage, supply chain research, and investigative environmental and conservation journalism. 

New California and Canada Sustainability Regulations: Key Impacts for Outdoor Brands

In a significant step towards enhancing sustainability and consumer safety, California has recently enacted two pivotal bills that will reshape compliance for manufacturers and retailers. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707) and the Household Product Safety: Toxic Substances: Testing and Enforcement (AB 347). Concurrently, Canada is implementing a new PFAS reporting rule, requiring importers to disclose specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These regulations will require immediate attention from outdoor industry brands and manufacturers. Our Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition is here to support members with guidance and collaboration to ensure compliance and sustainable progress.

Two sustainability bills signed into law in California:

  • The Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707)
    • What is it? This law adopts a stewardship program for textiles, requiring producers to fund, design, and implement a program via a producer responsibility organization (PRO) for collecting, sorting, and recycling textile articles.
    • How does this impact outdoor brands? If you sell textile products in the State of California, you will be subject to this rule, which is slated to go into effect on January 1, 2030.
  • Household Product Safety: Toxic Substances: Testing and Enforcement (AB 347)
    • What is it? This law requires covered manufacturers to register with the Department of Toxic Substances control, pay a registration fee, and provide a statement of compliance.
    • How does this impact outdoor brands? If you produce textile articles, juvenile products, or food packaging products, you will be subject to this rule, which is slated to go into effect on July 1, 2029. 

New PFAS Reporting Rule in Canada:

  • What is it? The Notice with respect to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) creates reporting requirements covering 312 PFAS when manufactured, imported, or used above certain thresholds.
  • How does this impact outdoor brands? If you are the importer of record of any covered product under this notice, you must submit your report to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) by January 29, 2025.

Looking for expert guidance on how to ensure your brand is meeting new and upcoming sustainability requirements? OIA’s Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition provides members with a scalable action plan for eliminating and replacing harmful chemicals and materials, delivering supply chain transparency, recycling and emission disclosures and more. Contact our sustainability team to learn more sustainability@outdoorindustry.org

Helly Hansen, Columbia Sportswear, and L.L. Bean Collaborate to Reduce Supply Chain Emissions and Protect the Planet

These outdoor brands came together, in partnership with their suppliers, to reduce emissions across the outdoor industry value chain.

To reach a more sustainable future, we must take bold, collective action against climate change. Helly Hansen, Columbia Sportswear, and L.L. Bean came together through  Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) Carbon Leadership Project CoLab to cut carbon emissions across the industry’s supply chain. This collaboration, supported by the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), focused on jointly reducing emissions across shared member supply chains. The OIA spearheaded the project and identified common suppliers among members, while Aii provided the framework of the Carbon Leadership Project to drive emission reduction efforts. 

“The Carbon Leadership Project guided our manufacturing partners in initiating their decarbonization journey.  Brand peers co-nominated suppliers to participate in the project, maximizing resources and driving momentum in carbon reduction.  Furthermore, the action plans were customized for participants based on their climate target maturity.  As long as the risk of climate change is not mitigated, we will continue to advocate for the Carbon Leadership Project” Ian Lee, Sustainable Manufacturing Program Manager at Columbia Sportswear. 

Aii’s Carbon Leadership Project framework assists suppliers in measuring GHG emissions at the facility level, setting targets, and effectively reducing GHG emissions. This program not only aids members in achieving their climate objectives but also aligns with OIA’s mission to lead the charge in sustainable business innovation so that all people can thrive outside, today, and in future generations. Learn more about the Carbon Leadership Project here. 

Bryant LaPres, senior director of industry engagement at Apparel Impact Institute, adds “Through our work with the OIA, we demonstrated the value of collaboration between brands and suppliers. The OIA played a critical role in bringing this work from concept to action. Their member brands played an equally critical role, emphasizing alliance with shared suppliers rather than going alone. We are excited to move into implementation activities to achieve direct emissions reductions and look forward to the results”. 

The primary goals of the Carbon Leadership Project CoLab were to support shared suppliers across the outdoor industry in measuring their emissions and setting carbon reduction targets. Helly Hansen, Columbia Sportswear, and L.L. Bean nominated two shared suppliers to participate in the CoLab. OIA’s Impact CoLabs are collaborative, pre-competitive emissions reduction initiatives led by OIA and service providers. These initiatives help members meet their sustainability goals more efficiently and cost-effectively by working together. 

Carbon Leadership Project CoLab Steps + Impact

Launched in 2022, the Carbon Leadership Project aimed to work with shared suppliers on setting science-aligned reduction targets and creating reduction action plans to achieve their targets. 
 
CoLab Milestones 

1. Supplier nomination and overlap assessment: Members submitted facilities of interest, OIA completed an overlap mapping exercise to seek shared suppliers to maximize impact  

2. Carbon tech assessment: Aii and their service provider partner, RESET Carbon, completed benchmarking for the nominated facilities to identify carbon saving potential and define next steps  

3. Carbon Target Setting: RESET Carbon collaborated with suppliers to identify their carbon reduction potential and set reduction targets  

4. Reduction Action Plan: A carbon reduction plan tailored to each facility was created 

5. Brand engagement with suppliers to implement reduction action plan (in progress)  

The Carbon Leadership Project CoLab supported facilities in completing a carbon tech assessments to benchmark their emissions and set reduction targets.  The final product was a tailored carbon reduction plan for each facility to reach its target.  Member brands are engaging with their suppliers to implement these reduction action plans. 

“The Carbon Leadership Project CoLab provided organizations with skills and tools to measure, monitor and report on their partnered facility’s carbon emissions. It allowed the organization to establish a clear baseline and achievable targets”, Grace Wong, Senior Sustainability Specialist Traceability, Helly Hansen. 

The decarbonization opportunities identified in the reduction action plans were prioritized based on their total emissions reduction potential and expected implementation timeline. The roadmaps were delivered via an Excel-based tool, where suppliers could input their intent and prioritization for implementing solutions. The tool also provided estimates of costs, return on investment, and tailored considerations to address before implementation to reduce risks. 

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.

 “The Carbon Leadership Project CoLab empowered members to take bold, collective climate action. OIA understands that tackling climate goals and reducing emissions can be daunting for individual companies, but we believe in the power of working together. By uniting to create shared solutions, we can accelerate progress and achieve significant emissions reductions. Through initiatives like the CLP CoLab, OIA supports members in reducing emissions across their supply chains”, said Breana Nehls, OIA Sustainable Business Innovation Manager. “Together, we are catalysts for sustainable growth.” 

 Learn more about OIA’s CoLabs and how you can catalyze meaningful change with us at outdoorindustry.org/sustainablebusiness.

 

 

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.” 

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