Archives: Press Releases

(April 18, 2024) – The Conservation Alliance (TCA) and its coalition of over 270 business members applaud the Bureau of Land Management for their Public Lands Rule, released earlier today. From the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy companies, TCA member companies represent a wide range of industries from across the United States that all rely on the outdoors for their bottom line.

Outdoor recreation generates $1.1 trillion in economic output per year and creates 5 million jobs across the United States. This rule, which will put conservation and recreation on a level playing field with other uses, will bring critical economic benefits through local recreation and tourism for rural and gateway communities situated near BLM lands and waters. Until now, only a small portion – 15% – of BLM lands have permanent protections, while a major portion are left unprotected from extractive development.

TCA, alongside other partners, provided the BLM substantial feedback on the draft rule and submitted a letter to the BLM signed by over 100 companies last year. The letter and list of supporting companies can be found here.

“The final rule from the Bureau of Land Management demonstrates the current administration’s dedication to our public lands and outdoor spaces. The BLM can now do what it’s intended to do and manage its 245 million acres for outdoor recreation and conservation benefits. This will provide much needed support to local economies and communities that rely on this land and the recreation opportunities it provides,” said Shoren Brown, VP of Public Affairs at The Conservation Alliance.

“Our nation’s largest public lands agency, the Bureau of Land Management, has largely focused on resource extraction and commodity development for nearly 40 years,” said Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia. “The new public lands rule will allow the US government to prioritize the protection of land and water for future generations and Indigenous communities, and to conserve habitat for endangered species.”

“The entire REI Co-op community applauds the BLM for seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the way we manage our beloved public lands” said Eric Artz, President and CEO of REI Co-op. “This rule empowers the country’s largest land manager to prioritize the health and vitality of our most treasured landscapes. Solving the climate crisis requires large-scale cooperation and new ways of thinking. We’re thrilled to see BLM embracing its role in ensuring the transformative power of the outdoors for future generations.”

“Businesses large and small that depend on access to the outdoors and their millions of employees and customers will benefit greatly from the final public lands rule released by the BLM,” said Cam Brensinger, Founder and CEO, NEMO Equipment. “This rule will increase opportunities for sustainable outdoor recreation, and, in turn, help grow the outdoor industry and strengthen recreation-based economies.”

“With ongoing and increasing pressures on our public lands, it was paramount for the BLM to produce a public lands rule that elevated conservation and recreation. The final rule does just that and will better the environment, nurture our communities, and allow our community to endeavor on amazing adventures ahead.” Amy Beck, President, Oboz Footwear

“Businesses across industries supported a Public Lands Rule that would ensure that our public lands continue to offer unique recreational opportunities, buffer important habitats against the growing impacts of climate change, and drive economic value and jobs for Americans. We thank the BLM for conserving and protecting our nation’s important public lands and waters.” Wes Carter, President, Atlantic Packaging

“Public lands make up much of the landscapes America is renowned for—the environments that inspire hundreds of millions of visitors annually, serve as habitats for thousands of species and inspire our sense of adventure. As a part of our mission to keep the world adventurous forever, Rivian stands alongside many diverse voices in supporting the BLM’s proposed Public Lands Rule in rebalancing land use priorities by codifying conservation as one of the formal uses for our public lands.” Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer of Rivian

“Flickr is in the business of photography, and most photography happens outdoors. We have a responsibility—an obligation, even—to advocate for the health and longevity of these lands, so they can be accessed, enjoyed, and remembered for generations to come.”  Ben MacAskill, President & COO, Flickr

“The 245 million acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management are critical to climate change mitigation and resilience, human health, and biodiversity, said Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact, Peak Design. “The Bureau of Land Management’s new Public Lands Rule will support many businesses – including Peak Design – that rely on protected landscapes across the United States.”

“By putting a greater emphasis on land and water conservation and recreation, the new Public Lands Rule will make the outdoors more accessible to everyone. Outdoor access is crucial to a healthy lifestyle for our customers and employees, as well as the health of the planet as a whole.” Gordon Seabury, CEO, Toad&Co

“Kahtoola stands in support of the BLM’s new Public Lands Rule. Putting conservation on equal footing with other land uses is not just the ethical thing to do, but it comes at a time where the stakes are high and our decisions on how we interact with the planet are extremely consequential. This balanced approach to decision-making is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of our nation’s public lands for generations to come,” said Betsy Harter, Associate of Sustainability at Kahtoola, Inc.

“As a company deeply committed to fostering inclusive outdoor adventures, GU echoes the sentiment of prioritizing land preservation for future generations and honoring Indigenous stewardship,” said Celia Camargo, Director of Community and Purpose, GU Energy Labs. “We recognize the invaluable role of public lands in nourishing communities and sustaining our planet. In championing the Public Lands Rule, we ensure that these treasured landscapes remain accessible for generations to come, empowering us all to continue our journey of exploration and connection with the great outdoors.” Celia Camargo, Director of Community and Purpose, GU Energy Labs

“Public lands are a key component of our business model – not to mention something our staff and employees love on a daily basis. We strongly support this new management rule.” Allan Wright, President, Zephyr Adventures, Red Lodge, MT

“Public lands for public use are much-valued and much-needed. The ability to easily, safely and enjoyably access outdoor recreation enriches citizens’ lives, relationships, and physical and emotional health. Protection and preservation is essential for our climate-change-impacted future.” Linnea Swenson Tellekson, President, Swen Products, Inc.

“Access to our public lands is critical for a community’s quality of life and to the local businesses that support, equip and educate those who recreate on public lands.  Not only is supporting this bill good conservation policy it is sound business policy aimed directly at small, local, family businesses.”  Keith Reis, President, Sanitas Sales Group

“Through unwavering dedication and strategic advocacy, The Conservation Alliance has been instrumental in championing a progressive BLM rule that promises to revitalize our cherished public lands. This pivotal update paves the way for more resilient ecosystems and enriched recreational opportunities, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations. We stand in support of this landmark achievement.” Soraya Shattuck, Executive Director, Adventure Travel Conservation Fund

“As a brand dedicated to putting people first, enhancing performance, and promoting well-being, Superfeet thanks you for implementing the public lands rule. Your dedication to safeguarding our natural landscapes is crucial for creating a healthy environment, preserving spaces for recreation, and offering individuals paths to unlock their full potential.” Trip Randall, CEO, Superfeet Worldwide

“Sound decisions of protection, restoration and public land use are absolutely necessary in order for us to play an active role in curbing our effects on climate change and mismanagement of our public resources. I support the rules that appropriately soften our impacts on our lands and protect and restore them for our future generations. Our public lands are treasures that command our respect, awe and reverence – not our maximum use for profit.” Benjamin Colvin, President, Devil’s Foot Beverage Company

“At the North Point Brands family, we depend on public lands, healthy ecosystems,  and clean water for our customers, our retail partners, and ourselves. RepYourWater, Cheeky Fishing, Wingo Outdoors and RepYourWild whole-heartedly support the Public Lands Rule.” – Peter Vandergrift, CMO, North Point Brands

“America’s public lands are a national treasure and every American’s birthright. I strongly support efforts to protect our lands in their natural, wild state for the environment and for future generations.” Travis Merrigan, Co-Founder, Grayl

“We serve photographers who feel most alive when they are enjoying, capturing and sharing timeless images of this nation’s amazing and awe-inspiring landscapes. 5DayDeal and our hundreds of thousands of customers support the BLM Public Lands Rule and see it as being crucial for this generation as well as many generations in the future.” Griffin Stewart, CEO and Co-Founder, 5DayDeal

“My company depends on the Outdoor Industry and our industry will better thrive with the updates to the BLM’s management of public lands!” Adam Forest, Managing Partner, The Forest Group

“I am so proud of everyone involved. It’s action like this that gives us all hope” – Derek Nielsen, Founder, Derek Nielsen Photography

About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries from outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, we’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas and designate five marine reserves.

 

 

SEATTLE – REI Co-op is celebrating continued progress towards its efforts to get every person in America outside in five minutes or less, no matter where they live. Through its Outside in 5 initiative, REI supports local projects and national legislation to improve access to nearby nature. This includes support for the REI Cooperative Action Fund, which last fall provided $6.1 million in funding for more than 260 local, regional, and national nonprofits who are leading efforts to create better access to the outdoors for everyone.

“Every person deserves the opportunity to get outside in their neighborhood, but for far too long and for far too many, this has not been a reality,” said Roma McCaig, REI vice president of public affairs and impact. “With the efforts of our employees, members, and the broader co-op community—all united together with Outside in 5—we have made tremendous progress towards our goal of enabling time outside for everyone.”

Based on data from Trust for Public Land, 100 million people in the U.S. lack access to outdoor spaces close to home, many of which represent communities that have been historically and systemically disenfranchised. To help close this gap, REI donates $5 from every co-op membership to the REI Cooperative Action Fund. In addition to this funding, REI employees in local stores across the country are building partnerships with organizations that are advancing Outside in 5 in their local communities. These efforts include:

• Partnering with Greening Youth Foundation to connect youth and young adults to the outdoors in Atlanta. Since 2022, REI Co-op and the REI Cooperative Action Fund have invested a combined $175,000 to Greening Youth Foundation. GYF engages underrepresented youth and young adults, while connecting them to the outdoors and careers in conservation.
• Advocating for $1 billion in funding for Texas State Parks. Texas ranks 35^th in the nation for state parks per capita. REI teamed up with Environment Texas and Trust for Public Land to support the passage of Prop 14, a ballot measure championed by a bipartisan group of legislators that set aside $1 billion to create more state parks. REI supported this measure with a $10,000 investment in the campaign, events in several Texas-area stores, and inspiring the local community to raise their voice in support via the REI Cooperative Action Network.
• Supporting Trust for Public Land’s green schoolyard efforts. REI joined Trust for Public Land to call on Congress to pass green schoolyards legislation to turn asphalt spaces into thriving green parks that benefit entire communities. This effort builds on more than three decades of partnership with Trust for Public Land to connect people to the benefits and joys of the outdoors.
• Supporting the New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund. The outdoors should be a welcoming place, yet many communities in New Mexico face barriers to time outside. REI worked with leaders like Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Senator Peter Wirth, Senator George Munoz, Senator Steve Neville, and Representative Nathan Small who helped secure $400 million in permanent funding for the New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund that help get youth in the outdoors, as well as other outdoor conservation and recreation programs.

As the co-op continues to advance its Outside in 5 initiative, REI is asking its growing 23-million-member community to raise its collective voice to support legislation that will help everyone access and enjoy time outside. With the REI Cooperative Action Network, anyone can help urge Congress to pass:

• The TREES Act, which would create a grant program for states, local governments, tribes and other entities to facilitate tree planting projects that reduce residential energy consumption.
• The Living Schoolyards Act, which would provide grants to schools and districts to transform their schoolyards into dynamic outdoor learning environments.
• The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, which would expand active transportation opportunities to connect people from their homes to work and play without ever getting in a car.
• The Outdoors for All Act, which would fund parks, trails, green spaces, playgrounds, cultural gathering spaces and more in underserved communities. The Outdoors for All Act is included in a broader package of legislation known as The EXPLORE Act, which passed by unanimous voice vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 9 and is awaiting a vote in the Senate. More than 200,000 people have voiced their support for the Outdoors for All Act through the REI Cooperative Action Network.

Additionally, the co-op published a playbook for Outside in 5 that details how individuals and organizations can engage in these efforts in their local community.

“While we are inspired by the progress we have made together as a co-op community, we know there is still so much left to do,” said McCaig. “This is a broad call to action. Anyone can join in Outside in 5 efforts by advocating for policy, supporting nonprofits, and engaging their community.”

Outside in 5 was launched in 2023 based on data from Trust for Public Land indicating that the U.S. is rich in enthusiasm for the outdoors but has inconsistent access and infrastructure for people to access it. With Outside in 5, REI aims to harness the collective power of the co-op community to bring nature closer to home for millions of people in America.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. If you can’t visit one of our many stores, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

 

 

Boulder, Colo. (April 17, 2024) — Boulder, Colo.-based Backpacker’s Pantry, the family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, announces its participation in the Spring 2024 Keep it Wild campaign. Organized by The Conservation Alliance (TCA), the week-long initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for the protection of wild places and outdoor spaces.

During the campaign, which runs from April 18 to April 24, Backpacker’s Pantry will donate 5% of its online revenue to The Conservation Alliance. These funds will support TCA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, including the push for National Monuments in 2024.

“In 2023 The Conservation Alliance and our business members helped protect over 12 million acres of public lands. Many of these special places were protected as new or expanded National Monuments – a proven tool for land conservation,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at the Conservation Alliance. “Unfortunately, National Monument designations don’t just happen. They require incredible efforts from tribal governments, grassroots conservation organizations, and businesses. From town halls and trips to D.C. to marketing campaigns and field events, these campaigns require resources to thrive. This upcoming #WeKeepItWild campaign is an opportunity for our member brands, like Backpacker’s Pantry to amplify their commitment to conservation at this critically important time and get much-needed resources into the hands of community leaders and TCA grantees working day in and day out to establish new National Monuments.”

“Backpacker’s Pantry is proud to join forces with The Conservation Alliance for the Spring 2024 Keep it Wild campaign,” said Duane Primozich, CEO at Backpacker’s Pantry. “As outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the importance of preserving our natural landscapes for future generations. By participating in this campaign, we hope to not only support TCA’s vital conservation work but also to inspire our customers to get involved in protecting the wilderness we all cherish.”

The Keep it Wild campaign serves as a platform for brands to unite in their commitment to conservation. By joining forces with other member companies, Backpacker’s Pantry aims to amplify its impact and raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding our wild places.

“We encourage our customers to join us in supporting The Conservation Alliance during the Keep it Wild campaign,” added Primozich. “Together, we can make a difference in preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our natural world.”

Backpacker’s Pantry joins other leading outdoor brands as part of the #WeKeepItWild campaign. The semi-annual campaign also includes La Sportiva, Nemo Equipment, Trail Butter, Jack Wolfskin, Recover, Gu Energy Labs, UBCO, Nomadix, GSI Outdoors, Kahtoola, Fox River, Topo Athletic, Pistil, Sea To Summit, Active Skin Repair, and Outdoor Technology.

For more information about Backpacker’s Pantry and its involvement in the Keep it Wild campaign, visit conservationalliance.com.

For more information about Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit backpackerspantry.com.

About Backpacker’s Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day to nonprofits around the world through 1% For the Planet and is 100% solar-powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.com.

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO.  Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned, and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – TCA takes bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit conservationalliance.com.

 

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{Dover, NH—April 17, 2024}—Outdoor gear brand NEMO Equipment has focused its mission on innovation, community, and sustainability since the beginning, and the company is proud to announce its list of 2024 partners that closely align with those values. With an emphasis on access, inclusivity, and conservation, the brand has renewed key partnerships and added new ones in an effort to get more folks outdoors and create the next generation of stewards for our planet.

NEW PARTNERSHIPS:

Outdoors Empowered Network is a national network of community-led, youth-centered outdoor education groups. OEN helps increase diversity in the outdoors through low-cost (or free) gear libraries and leadership training.

Confluence Collective removes barriers and amplifies representation of human diversity on the water by creating a safe community for all fly-fishing enthusiasts. CC hosts angler and camping events in Maine, Montana, and Wisconsin.

And, in an effort to expand its government affairs capabilities and knowledge, NEMO has also joined forces with organizations including California Outdoor Recreation Partnership, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Outdoor Alliance, European Outdoor Group, and American Apparel and Footwear Association.

RENEWED PARTNERSHIPS:

Camp Yoshi was founded with the intent to help diversify the outdoor space. Since its inception, it has helped create safe spaces for people of color and allies (first-time campers and enthusiasts alike) by curating trips that allow them to explore the art of camping through their unique lens.

Bewilder is a female, BIPOC-owned and -founded experiential media company inspiring families to spend time outside. They host pop-up retail events in partnership with outdoor brands and retailers, and provide a monthly newsletter featuring trip ideas, kid-friendly activities, and advice for staying safe in nature. For the 2023–24 school year, Bewilder teamed up with Camino Nuevo Charter Academy in Los Angeles to provide outdoor and environmental education programming aimed at engaging K-8 students.

Black.Surfers is an organization fighting to attain equitable access to surfing for Black people through policy and community. The Black-centric organization welcomes allies as part of its membership and aims to eliminate the systemic and cultural barriers that prevent Black people from reclaiming their ancestral birthright to the ocean, surfing, and fully enjoying all it has to offer.

Big City Mountaineers is a nonprofit that connects youth in disinvested communities with the outdoors. BCM provides free, fully outfitted, professionally led backpacking trips to kids in urban areas across the country.

Access also includes supporting organizations that work to conserve our public lands and waterways and provide healthy landscapes for wildlife. NEMO continues to partner with

Southeast Land Trust of NH, The Conservation Alliance, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

More information about these groups and partnerships can be found on NEMO’s Adventure Resources page.

About NEMO

NEMO is a New Hampshire-based outdoor gear company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable, and fun to use. Named one of Outside Magazine’s and Business New Hampshire’s Best Places to Work, NEMO has also been recognized as a small business leader for the environment by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp accessories, and furniture—is an outgrowth of its design philosophy to never bring anything to market that doesn’t offer a meaningfully better experience. NEMO’s team of designers and engineers are motivated by a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainability.

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure Forever.®

 

TUCSON, Ariz. (April 17, 2024) — Western National Parks Association is set to celebrate National Park Week (April 20 – April 28) this year with a special 30% discount* for members of WNPA’s Park Protector program. Park Protectors help fund national park experiences and programs including scientific research, education, community engagement, conservation efforts and more. Starting April 20 – a day of free admission in all national parks – WNPA Park Protectors receive a special one-time 30% discount on their entire purchase when they shop at any WNPA store or online. The offer extends to new and current members and provides park visitors and online supporters a unique opportunity to be an active part of the conservation and public lands movements. Park Protector members can save at the register and feel good knowing their purchases will support the parks they love.

As a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service (NPS), WNPA helps fund and support more than 70 parks throughout the Western United States. For 85 years, WNPA has fostered awareness and stewardship of these hidden gems, with the Park Protector program a vital part of this mission. The tax-deductible $25 yearly membership funds important programs and vital efforts, ensuring national parks are increasingly valued, cared for and enjoyed by all. With the help of Park Protectors, parks can improve the protection of endangered species, offer visitors accessible park tours, provide meals during tribal consultations and much more.

WNPA wants to give back to Park Protector members by offering this one-time 30% discount on an entire purchase. WNPA stores sell more than just keepsakes—they offer the opportunity to be a part of the network of support that national parks need. WNPA’s commitment to sustainable business practices means they partner with vendors who find innovative ways to reduce waste, protecting parks both in product design and production. As always, 100% of net proceeds support WNPA’s partner parks.

Whether a Park Protector signs up for a new membership, a renewed membership or is already a member of this valued community, they can enjoy this extra discount and take home a perfect park memory. As part of their membership, Park Protectors continue to receive a 10% discount throughout the year online and at all WNPA-managed stores located inside visitor centers. With park-approved apparel, officially licensed collectibles, exclusive product lines and books and toys that bring joy to the whole family, WNPA offers shoppers a chance to capture a bit of that park joy while giving something back to the parks.

*30% off regular price, excluding craft items. Discount is a one-time offer for current and new Park Protector members. Discount begins April 20, 2024 at 12:00 AM PST and ends April 28, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST. Discount valid at participating Western National Parks Association-managed stores, and online at store.wnpa.org. Current Park Protector members must log in to the online store to receive a discount. Discount will be automatically applied at checkout for current members. New members must include a Park Protector membership in their cart to receive the discount. Tax-deductible Park Protector membership is $25 yearly. Discount cannot be combined with any other offer. 

About WNPA

WNPA helps make the national park experience possible for everyone. As a nonprofit education partner of the NPS, WNPA supports parks across the West, developing products, services, and programs that enhance the visitor experience, understanding, and appreciation of national parks. Since 1938 WNPA has worked to connect new generations to parks in meaningful ways, all with one simple goal: create advocates who want to preserve and protect these special places for everyone, for all time. Learn more about the organization and career opportunities at www.wnpa.org.

 

DENVER, Colo. (Apr. 16, 2024) – The North Face and icebreaker, two leading outdoor performance brands and pioneers of natural performance apparel, collaborated on a merino blend adventure wear capsule for Spring/Summer 2024. The collection redefines comfort and performance and is meticulously crafted with fabric made from 100% plastic-free fibres.

“In collaborating with The North Face, we’ve crafted a collection where sustainable innovation meets timeless design,” says Neil Baker, senior global creative director at icebreaker. “Our natural fibres performance apparel seamlessly blends style with function, empowering adventurers to connect with the great outdoors in comfort and harmony.”

Offered in both men’s and women’s styles, the capsule includes products featuring a blend of merino wool TENCEL^™ Lyocell, a fibres made of responsibly sourced wood pulp, that results in light and breathable adventure wear.

The men’s apparel includes the 200 Merino Short-Sleeved Tee, 200 Merino Short-Sleeved Polo, 200 RealFleece^™ Long-Sleeved Zip Hoodie, Merino Shorts and Merino Pants. The women’s collection includes the 200 Merino Short-Sleeved Tee, 200 RealFleece^™ Long-Sleeved Zip Hoodie, Merino Shorts, Merino Pants and the 200 Merino Dress. The collection ranges in price from $120 to $295.

Connected in nature, this capsule is a testament to the brands’ commitment to a more responsible fashion.

The full collection is available now on icebreaker.com. For more information about icebreaker, visit icebreaker.com and follow icebreaker on Instagram @icebreakernz.

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About icebreaker

Founded in 1995 in New Zealand, icebreaker pioneered the ethical and sustainable production of natural performance apparel. Now a part of the VF Corporation, icebreaker continues to challenge the status quo while championing natural, transparent, and responsible ways to do business. icebreaker looks to nature for the answers and for innovative ways to do more with less. Working with what nature provides and adapting as nature does, icebreaker enables consumers to join a movement towards choosing natural and preserving the planet for generations to come. icebreaker clothing is available in more than 5,000 stores in 50 countries through wholesale, Touch Lab retail stores and e-commerce platforms. www.icebreaker.com

About VF Corportation

Founded in 1899, VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest active-lifestyle companies which connects people to the activities and experiences they cherish most through a portfolio of outdoor, active, workwear and streetwear brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®. Our purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. We connect this purpose with a relentless drive to succeed to create value for all stakeholders and use our company as a force for good. For more information, please visit vfc.com.

 

 

 

OSLO, Norway (April 16, 2024) — Norrøna, the four season, family-owned Norwegian manufacturer of premium apparel and gear, today announced its new membership with non-profit organization Fair Wear Foundation. The Fair Wear membership is a key step toward the sustainability targets outlined in its Norrøna 2029 Roadmap, which aims for the brand being the most responsible outdoor company.

“An important aspect of becoming the most responsible outdoor company is creating a fair, equal and positive workplace environment for all employees, especially those tasked with creating our premium gear in factories around the world,” said Jørgen Jørgensen, leader and fourth-generation owner of Norrøna. “Working with Fair Wear is a critical step to improve the labor conditions in our supply chain, as we continue to grow and enter our next century as a brand leader in sustainable and ethical business practices.”

Siri Luthen, Norrøna’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability leader, emphasized the significance of the decision to join Fair Wear, stating, “One crucial reason for our Fair Wear membership is to ensure that workers or their representatives can raise the issue and find solutions if rights are violated. Fair Wear provides a grievance mechanism for workers to voice concerns related to the Fair Wear Code of Labour Practices. We commit to rolling out this safe and accessible mechanism at our production locations to ensure all workers have access to the Fair Wear helpline. This initiative is pivotal in achieving our Roadmap goal of ensuring that 100 percent of workers’ voices are heard.”

Fair Wear equips Norrøna with a range of tools to move from traditional social auditing to effectively manage human rights issues within supply chains. The Brand Performance Check will assess and evaluate Norrøna’s practices, providing constructive feedback to enhance our supply chain integrity. This aspect of membership underscores Fair Wear’s dedication not only to improving factory conditions but also to scrutinizing brand practices. Furthermore, Fair Wear offers third-party factory audits, comprehensive training programs, and grants access to expert research and tools from non-profit organizations and likeminded garment brands.”

“We are excited to welcome Norrøna as a Fair Wear member and look forward to working together on systemic change in the outdoor industry. Norrøna’s commitment to conduct proper human rights due diligence and scrutinize their brand practices lays the foundation for impactful transformation,” says Mariette van Amstel, Fair Wear’s Head of Membership.

Fair Wear was founded in 1999 with the mission of improving labor conditions in the garment industry by bridging the gap between stakeholders and aligning on creating people-and planet-positive practices for the garment sector. The organization works with brands, factories, workers, trade unions, NGOs and other industry influencers to develop practical solutions to improve working conditions across supply chains.

Norrøna’s partnership with Fair Wear is effective immediately as the brand has signed the Fair Wear Code of Labour Practices.

For media inquiries about Norrøna and its membership with Fair Wear, please contact senior account manager Corinne Baud at corinne.baud@rygr.us.

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About Norrøna: In 1929, Jørgen Jørgensen, a Norwegian outdoor enthusiast, began his search for durable outdoor equipment to perform in Norway´s harsh and rugged land. Starting with simple innovations such as leather straps, canvas backpacks and cotton clothing, he set Norrøna’s direction: To search for the best in technical advancements and to create the ultimate performance products. Today, four generations later, Norrøna is still a family-owned and run company and a leader in the growing market of sustainable sportswear. www.norrona.com