Archives: Press Releases

Testing service provider Hohenstein has worked with partners to create a new standardized test method for detecting and classifying the environmental effects of textiles during washing. DIN SPEC 4872 combines analysis of fiber release, biodegradability and ecotoxicity.

The test method according to DIN SPEC 4872 shows how many fibers are released during textile laundering, how well these fibers degrade in wastewater and how harmful the fiber residues are to the environment.

Studies have shown that washing textiles releases microfibers into the wash water, which cannot be sufficiently retained by wastewater treatment plants. Synthetic fibers pose the greatest risk to the environment because of their longevity and inability to biodegrade. However, Hohenstein project manager Juliane Alberts does not give the all-clear for biodegradable fibers and natural fibers: “Biodegradability alone does not mean that pure natural fibers, for example, are completely harmless to the environment. They, too, remain in ecosystems until they completely degrade and can also have a negative impact. In addition, additives, auxiliaries or finishes used in textile production can further slow the degradation process and leach into the environment.”

The new standard enables textile producers and suppliers to test, evaluate and compare products for fiber release during washing and environmental impact. Juliane Alberts sees this systematic evaluation as an opportunity for the textile industry to take the initiative on environmental impact: “Our reliable data can be used as a basis for more targeted product development. This is a way to actively and consciously control further environmental pollution.”

Detailed information is available at Hohenstein.US/microfibers

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About Hohenstein

With more than 40 offices and laboratories, Hohenstein is an international partner for independent testing, certification and applied research around the human-textile-environment interaction. They develop science-based methods and standards that consider the user in real life, not just in the lab. Through standard or customized testing, and interpretation of the results, Hohenstein experts solve problems, verify claims and help partners bring better, safer products to market – more sustainably. Hohenstein is a founding member and leading provider of the OEKO-TEX® portfolio of services, and is certified by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC ID #1058) as a third-party, independent laboratory for CPSIA compliance verification. Hohenstein.US

The Sea Otter Classic Summit produced by Life Time, is set to host an industry-exclusive dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on April 19, 2023 – the final day of the renowned Summit. The Monterey Bay Aquarium provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for this unique networking event, offering attendees the opportunity to build new connections and strengthen existing relationships in a relaxed and beautiful setting. The event offers a memorable conclusion to the Sea Otter Classic Summit and kicks off the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, which begins the following morning.

 

New this year, Monterey Bay Aquarium Dinner tickets are available for purchase separate from the full Sea Otter Classic Summit. Registration is available at seaotterclassicsummit.com/register.  

 

The dinner will feature locally-sourced cuisine over multiple courses, providing a truly gourmet experience. In addition to the delicious food, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the full Aquarium and its various exhibits, making the event an incredibly unique and memorable affair. 

 

The Sea Otter Classic Summit also is thrilled to announce the partnering brands helping to make this event possible, including Baird; Bosch Group; Mazda; Outside; Perkins Coie LLP; SRAM, LLC; and Alvarado Street Brewing. Each of the 2023 Summit sponsors bring a unique perspective and purpose within the outdoor industry.

 

Baird, an employee-owned financial firm, offers a wide range of services, oversees more than $360 billion in assets, and employs more than 4,800 associates. The firm handles wealth management, investment banking, asset management, institutional sales and trading, public finance, and private equity in more than 200 locations worldwide. It has been named one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For since 2004. 

 

Bosch eBike Systems is a division of the Bosch Group—a leading global supplier of technology and services. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.  For over a decade, Bosch has offered innovative eBike drive systems of outstanding performance and quality. Its award-winning motors, highly efficient rechargeable batteries, modern displays and control units, and new eBike Flow app, ensure a personalized eBike experience, whether it’s an electric mountain bike, hybrid, city or cargo eBike. 

 

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through approximately 780 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at News.MazdaUSA.com

Outside is a destination for active lifestyle enthusiasts and home to leading brands in endurance sports, outdoor and healthy living spaces. Each month, it reaches 70 million active consumers across 30+ media, digital and technology platforms, catering to both experienced and new adventurers. Outside+, the brand’s premium membership service, offers storytelling, meal plans, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more.

 

Perkins Coie LLP, an international law firm, provides high-quality legal services to clients in various fields, including corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory. The firm’s clients include leading companies and public and non-profit organizations. Perkins Coie has more than 1,200 attorneys in offices across the United States and Asia.

 

SRAM® is a manufacturer of bicycle components founded in Chicago, Illinois, in September of 1987, with the invention of its first product, Grip Shift®. Throughout its 37-year history, SRAM has focused on innovative product development in all cycling disciplines. SRAM has also acquired some of cycling’s most exciting brands, including RockShox®, Zipp®, Quarq®, TIME®, and most recently adding Hammerhead®, and Velocio®. With 5000-plus employees, offices, and manufacturing in 16 countries, SRAM is one of the largest manufacturers of bike parts in the world.

 

Alvarado Street Brewery was founded in March 2014 by the father-son duo John and J.C. Hill. It began as a neighborhood brewery restaurant in downtown Monterey and has grown to three locations. In 2016, it opened a production brewery and tasting room in Spreckels Junction, Salinas. In early 2018, it opened an R&D pilot brewery and bistro in Carmel-by-the-Sea, known as “The Stro.”

 

For more information about the Sea Otter Classic Summit, visit www.seaotterclassicsummit.com.

About the Sea Otter Classic Summit

The Summit takes place just before the largest consumer cycling event, the Sea Otter Classic. This next-level executive gathering is designed to equip and inspire attendees to drive growth and impact through their businesses and brands at a pivotal time of growth and opportunity in the outdoor recreation industries.

https://seaotterclassicsummit.com/

About Life Time, Inc.

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.

In 2020, award-winning camping equipment manufacturer Sierra Designs launched Reach Out, an interdisciplinary initiative to increase participation and accessibility in outdoor recreation. Since the program’s inception, Sierra Designs has donated nearly $60,000 in both gear and a percentage of web sales to several nonprofits dedicated to improving economic, societal, and education access for underrepresented groups in the outdoors. Further committing to its mission of a more inclusive and attainable outdoors, Sierra Designs is honored to announce Reach Out partners for 2023: Women’s Wilderness, LGBT Outdoors, Outdoors For All, and SoulTrak Outdoors.

In addition to $2,000 in product donations and 1% of web sales per quarter, Sierra Designs pledges to provide education, event support, and a unique awareness campaign for each participating partner. The brand will use its platform to share each organization’s mission via social media, email newsletters, and media opportunities. “Sierra Designs was founded with the vision that all people deserve to have good gear for exploring the outdoors, regardless of their background or experience level,” says Alexandra Black-Paulick, Marketing Manager for Sierra Designs. “Our Reach Out program helps us fulfill that mission by partnering with organizations that are increasing access to the outdoors,” she adds.

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Women’s Wilderness strives to support girls, women, and LGBTQ+ people in accessing their power and improving their health through connections to the outdoors and community. With chapters in the USA, Canada, and Italy, LGBT Outdoors encourages and enables members of the LGBTQ+ community to get outdoors and connect with nature and the world around them while breaking down stereotypes towards LGBTQ+ people. Founded in 1979, in the Pacific Northwest, Outdoors For All  is a national leader in delivering adaptive and therapeutic recreation for children and adults with disabilities. SoulTrak Outdoors is a D.C.-based nonprofit organization that connects communities of color to outdoor spaces while also building a coalition of diverse outdoor leaders.

Throughout 2023, Sierra Designs will also provide gear donations to several other like-minded nonprofits committed to achieving a more equitable outdoors. For more information regarding Reach Out and how you can get involved, visit www.sierradesigns.com/reach-out or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

About Sierra Designs:

Born in California and bred on the trail, Sierra Designs has been on a mission to redefine how people interact with the outdoors since 1965. Today, that means creating equipment and apparel that is functional, beautiful, and most importantly, attainable. Our team believes that adventures should be within everyone’s reach because it’s not only about the destination—it’s about the journey you take along the way. Find more information at www.sierradesigns.com.

The Canada-based sales agency drove impressive growth in Eastern Canada for the brand

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 15, 2023) – Big Agnes, the Steamboat-Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, recently announced that Authentik Sales was awarded its annual Rep of the Year Award, which celebrates the brand’s top-performing sales group. Authentik Sales’ JP Ouellet and Matt McCormick are credited for the award, with outstanding performance in the Eastern Canadian territory.

“Many of our sales groups performed at an incredibly high level in 2022, and we’re proud of all the hard work – but Authentik rose to the top,” said Craig Hatton, director of North American sales for Big Agnes. “JP and Matt have dedicated themselves to building our brand in Eastern Canada. They faced many challenges yet still saw impressive growth across all categories in 2022. We’re so proud to recognize Authentik after such a strong year.”

Big Agnes’ Rep of the Year Award honors the brand’s top-performing sales group, based on regional growth and overall performance. Authentik grew the brand’s Eastern Canada region by 65%, while opening several new dealers and working diligently to secure strong bookings for 2023. Additionally, Authentik initiated a partnership to establish Big Agnes’ Amazon business in Canada. The agency is also recognized for its responsiveness within internal teams and its utilization of reporting tools and other sales tools for optimizing sales and business.

Ouelett and McCormick teamed up in 2019 after several years of working as sales reps in the outdoor industry. They have built a strong team of passionate outdoor enthusiasts that provide outstanding service to the markets they serve. Collectively, they have an incredible amount of experience in the outdoor industry at the brand level and at retail. They have cultivated strong relationships with their dealer base and have earned the respect of all they work with.

“Authentik not only saw exceptional sales growth but also stood as industry leaders for their strategies and responsiveness,” continued Hatton. “We’re so thrilled with the strong year from all of our reps across the world and we look forward to a strong 2023.”

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About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2021. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and now backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

For more information, contact:

Calvin Bond, Backbone Media
Calvin.bond@backbonemedia.net

Tender Belly Bacon announces sponsorship of the High Fives Foundation

 DENVER, CO – Tender Belly, the bacon brand that sizzles breakfast anytime and anywhere, has partnered with the High Fives Foundation to give back to the adaptive action sports community. For every package of their mouth-watering bacon sold, Tender Belly will contribute a portion of their profits to the non-profit organization that supports athletes who have suffered a life-altering injury.

But that’s not all! Tender Belly is also throwing a bacon bash, donating a whopping 1000 pounds of their premium bacon to support High Fives events. Because, let’s be honest, everything is better with bacon!

“We’re beyond excited to team up with the High Fives Foundation and do our part to help fuel the amazing work that High Fives does!” exclaimed Shannon Duffy, Founder and CRO of Tender Belly. “The organization’s mission aligns with our company values, and we are proud to be partners and make every moment that much more delicious!”

The High Fives Foundation is all about supporting adaptive athletes, promoting safety and accident prevention awareness, and always having a FUNdraising time. And Tender Belly? Well, they’re all about making the world a happier, more bacon-filled place.

“This is proof that the universe is listening! Our team at High Fives is passionate bacon lovers and we are fired up about this partnership with Tender Belly,” said Roy Tuscany, founder and executive director of the High Fives foundation. “Their monetary and cured meat donations will directly help us to continue to develop programming for our athletes. And now our athletes, our teams, and our volunteers’ pockets will always be full of bacon!”

So next time you’re stocking up on Tender Belly bacon, know that you’re also supporting a great cause. Bacon and high fives for everyone!

For more information on Tender Belly, visit www.tenderbelly.com. For more on the High Fives Foundation, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org.

The company’s first impact report is a comprehensive examination of its sustainability commitments and outlines its path to a better tomorrow through community change and responsible innovation

Today, Salomon unveils its 2022 Impact Report, which offers a comprehensive overview of the brand’s sustainability efforts. The report is the first of its kind produced by Salomon and examines how the company conducts its business within the outdoor industry. It includes the company’s long-term sustainability commitments, where it currently stands and outlines how it will reach its goals by implementing change through community involvement and innovation.

“In the past, Salomon has not been very vocal about its commitments, but this has never prevented us from being a responsible company,” explains Franco Fogliato, Salomon’s President and CEO. “Being 100% connected to mountain sports since the first day of our existence in 1947, in Annecy, has made us very respectful of our playground—nature—and our communities.”

Salomon has been implementing sustainability initiatives and projects in past years, with 2021 being a notable year for developments. In 2021, Salomon released the INDEX.01, the first recyclable running shoe that can be recycled at the end of its life cycle. Salomon also collaborated with Airbus and students from IMT Les Mines in Toulouse. The brand contributed its footwear know-how to the Hopper prosthetic project, which aims to help amputees access the outdoors. Finally, Salomon launched its Sports Pledge for responsible events and athletes.

In 2022, for its 75^th anniversary, Salomon celebrated responsible outdoors and continued to advance its sustainable objectives. Sustainability highlights from 2022 included:

• Salomon is the first leading snowsports brand to have its Science-Based Targets officially approved in 2022 (targeting 50% absolute reduction of Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions and 30% absolute reduction of Scope 3 carbon emissions by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, net zero by 2050). This comes after publishing Salomon’s climate strategy and first ever full carbon footprint.
• 80% of Salomon’s tier 1 suppliers have achieved gold level in their social audit system (targeting 100% by 2025).
• The launch of a completely renewed MTN ski touring range into a fully eco-designed collection, made with up to 40% more responsible materials.
• Global partnership signed with Protect Our Winters in North America, and Mike Douglas, current Board Chair for POW Canada, became Salomon’s sustainability ambassador.
• Supporting non-profits that help causes for women and minorities to have more access to our sports, including Hike Clerb, &Mother, Share Winter, TrailSisters, Colour the Trails, and Shejumps.
• Salomon is a participating company of the Fair Labor Association through Amer Sports and on track for accreditation by 2024.
• Salomon’s Responsible Product Framework was established to drive its product ranges towards circularity. The Fall-winter 2022 apparel collection featured 44% of its products with recycled materials, 89% of OEKO-TEX® or Bluesign® fabrics.

Mike Douglas, a longtime Salomon athlete and Board Chair of Protect Our Winters Canada, believes this collaborative work done by brands and their material suppliers is crucial.

“Part of our mission as it relates to outdoor-minded people is to get the brands and partners we work with to step up and work on cleaning up their own operations, as well as advocating for a cleaner, more sustainable planet,” says Douglas, who is also a Salomon Sustainability Ambassador.

Building on the previous Play-Minded Program, Salomon has re-structured its path to a responsible tomorrow with a two-pronged approach that places people at the center of its efforts. This approach will equip people with science-based tools that will ultimately change the culture of the company.

For 2023, the brand’s sustainability focus areas include: ​​​​​​

• Committing to new sustainability goals and a roadmap by 2030 through its new ‘Change our Tomorrow’ program.
• Reinforcing internal culture, commitment, and shared knowledge.
• Deepening links and collaboration with communities, especially with Salomon athletes.
• Amplifying transparency through open dialogue with stakeholders.
• Quantifying and strengthening social and environmental performance through processes and science-based tools.
• Consolidating the brand’s climate strategy.
• Developing a circularity approach with new principles and new business models, and scaling-up circular products.

For a full understanding of where Salomon has come from, where the company currently stands and its path to a responsible tomorrow, read the full 2022 Impact Report on Salomon.com. Please visit pages 17–18 for a full list of Salomon’s progress highlights and progress with Sustainable Development Goals.

About Salomon: Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon creates premium footwear, apparel, gear and winter sports equipment that is superior in function, radical in design and obsessive in style. At the Annecy Design Center, engineers, designers and athletes collaborate to write the future of sports by creating products that transform outside sports experiences and enable a deeper connection with nature, allowing people to unleash the best version of themselves so that they might positively impact the world.

Kahtoola is honored to announce the winter 2022-2023 grant recipients of the Kahtoola Philanthropy Program: The Tibet Fund, DigDeep’s Navajo Water Project, Runners for Public Lands, Soul Trak Outdoors and The Howl Experience. Three times a year, Kahtoola donates at least 1% of annual sales through the Kahtoola Philanthropy Program to nonprofits dedicated to preserving indigenous cultures, promoting environmental responsibility or efforts to support the outdoor community.

The winter grant recipients include:

• The Tibet Fund’s Nyingtob Ling project – a residential program for Tibetan children and young adults with disabilities located in Dharamsala, India. Kahtoola is proud to continue its support of The Tibet Fund and its mission to support and strengthen Tibetan community.
• DigDeep’s Navajo Water Project is the first regional program of DigDeep, the national human rights nonprofit working to ensure every American has access to a tap and toilet inside their homes. The Navajo Water Project is a community-managed utility alternative that will utilize its Kahtoola Philanthropy grant to continue bringing hot and cold running water to homes on the Navajo Nation that are not connected to piped water or sewer lines. Its community-led and region-specific solutions have helped install clean running water inside hundreds of homes through its award-winning Navajo Water Project (Arizona, New Mexico and Utah); Appalachia Water Project (West Virginia); and Colonias Water Project (Texas).
• Runners for Public Lands is dedicated to organizing runners for climate action, sustainability practices, the protection of public lands, and equitable access to nature. The grant will be used in part to bolster the “Everyone Runs Project” to help underrepresented runners break down barriers and chase their dreams.
• Other fall recipients include Soul Trak Outdoors (grant funds will be used to support an Environmental Leadership Cohort project focused on BIPOC collegiate students in the Washington, D.C. area) and The Howl Experience, which received an in-kind grant of 25 pairs of Kahtoola’s MICROspikes for its Canadian environmental youth program.

“In 2022, Kahtoola was thankful for the opportunity to award grants to more than a dozen nonprofits to support their tireless efforts to improve the world around us and the lives of countless people,” said Danny Giovale, founder of Kahtoola. “We are inspired by their hard work and happy to contribute to their efforts.”

Nonprofits interested in applying for Kahtoola’s 2023 grant cycle can visit Kahtoola.com. Annually, Kahtoola distributes three rounds of grants: spring (March 31 application deadline), summer (July 31 deadline), and fall/winter (November 30 deadline).