Type: OIA Press Room

(Minneapolis, MN // April 10, 2025) – ‍Cold, the sustainability management platform that leverages AI to streamline compliance for leading outdoor and apparel brands, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), a member-based collective of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers, and outdoor enthusiasts, today announced an official partnership to bring Cold’s solution to more OIA members at a time of mounting regulatory complexity and burden.

In response to regulatory rollback at the federal level, states are stepping in to fill the void by enacting their own environmental legislation, creating a patchwork of regulations that has become increasingly challenging for businesses to navigate. As a result, sustainability leaders are spending more and more of their time on compliance, which comes at a significant opportunity cost. Cold launched its platform in early 2024 to provide organizations with a more efficient alternative to manual regulatory tracking and reporting.

The OIA partnership comes just as Cold is rolling out an end-to-end Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance solution for its customers, helping companies to meet deadlines and requirements in Oregon, California, and Colorado with more states to follow. ‍

“Manual compliance and reporting takes time and resources, which are precious commodities for small and midsize companies, especially in today’s challenging economic environment,” said Eric Dayton, founder and CEO at Cold. “Cold solves this problem by centralizing and automating compliance so that business leaders can focus on the work that matters most.”

Prior to Cold, Dayton founded Askov Finlayson, a climate positive winter outerwear company and only the fourth in the outdoor apparel industry to achieve B Corp certification. Cold’s co-founder, Dan Lindquist, brings extensive experience creating innovative SaaS solutions as the co-founder and former Chief Product Officer at Mainstreet.

“In our conversations with OIA members, we consistently hear about the mounting pressure of compliance and reporting as they navigate new regulations,” said Julie Brown, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at OIA. “We have confidence in Cold’s solution to this challenge, and the feedback from our members who are already using the platform has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Leading brands in the apparel and outdoors industries — including Bombas, Topo Designs, Outdoor Research, Faherty, and Peak Design — trust Cold to streamline compliance and automate their sustainability reporting. The platform helps organizations save valuable time, unlock new markets, and protect against risk.

“As the pile of compliance requirements grow, I have found myself spending more time filling out reports than doing the actual work of making Peak a more sustainable company,” said Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact at Peak Design, an OIA member. “Cold allows me to focus on driving progress while they take care of the reporting.”

Cold is backed by a strong team of advisors and investors with deep retail industry backgrounds, including Doug Baker, former CEO of Ecolab and current Target board member, Michael Francis, Target’s former CMO, and Archie Black, who served as the longtime CEO at SPS Commerce. Cold’s $2.65M pre-seed round in 2024 was led by York IE, with participation from Better Ventures.

Visit www.coldclimate.com to learn more and schedule a demo.

ABOUT COLD

Cold Climate PBC is a sustainability management platform that streamlines compliance for organizations of all sizes. Leading brands trust Cold to automate reporting so that they can focus on the work that matters. Visit www.coldclimate.com to learn more.

ABOUT OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Media Contacts

Eric Dayton

Cold

eric@coldclimate.com 

 

Andriana Rogers

Outdoor Industry Association
arogers@outdoorindustry.org

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BOULDER, CO (April 3, 2025) —Newly announced tariffs will make it more expensive to make and sell outdoor gear in the U.S., hurting American businesses, workers, and consumers, says Outdoor Industry Association. The outdoor industry is a key economic engine in the U.S., generating $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supporting over 5 million American jobs. Last year alone, 175.8 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation, an all-time high. But now, many of the products that make those experiences possible are about to get much more expensive.  

“These tariffs will raise costs for American manufacturers, retailers, and families,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “That’s going to slow growth, put pressure on small and mid-sized outdoor companies, and could force some to close their doors. These tariffs also make it more difficult for global outdoor brands to operate in the U.S. and maintain their American workforce.” 

In a recent survey, 84% of OIA members surveyed said they will be impacted by new tariffs, resulting in millions of dollars in financial losses and affecting hundreds of outdoor products.  “These rising costs could lead to fewer jobs, less innovation, and fewer options for consumers,” Ebersole said. “This will especially impact vital businesses that make American’s access to the outdoors possible.” 

“We urge policymakers to consider the broader economic impact of these trade decisions,” Ebersole said. “Outdoor recreation matters to millions of Americans and thousands of businesses. We need a balanced trade policy that keeps outdoor gear affordable, supports U.S. jobs, and helps our industry continue to grow.”  

OIA encourages support for the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), which would create greater transparency and oversight in U.S. trade policy, both critical steps to protecting the outdoor recreation economy. 

Outdoor businesses are also encouraged to join OIA’s Trade Policy Town Hall webinar on April 8 at 12 PM MT, where policy experts will share more about the latest tariff policies and what businesses can do to stay ahead of impacts.  

 

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

BOULDER, CO [Tuesday, February 18, 2025] — OIA President Kent Ebersole today released the following statement in response to recent staffing cuts at the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior, which threaten the safety, maintenance, and overall visitor experience on America’s public lands.

“The recent workforce reductions at the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior are deeply concerning, especially as these agencies are already operating with historically low staff-to-visitor ratios,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “The stewards of our national parks, forests, and public lands—park rangers, maintenance crews, and visitor service staff—are the backbone of these treasured places. They keep trails open, respond to emergencies, educate the public, and ensure that millions of visitors not only experience the outdoors safely but also feel welcomed and inspired by the landscapes they explore.

With fewer staff, we risk longer emergency response times, neglected trails and facilities, and disruptions to the experiences that make these places so special. OIA stands with these dedicated professionals and urges policymakers to prioritize sustainable staffing solutions. Our public lands and the people who care for them deserve better.”

 

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

(Boulder, CO: February 4, 2025) Today, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole released the following statement in response to recent trade policy developments:

“Tariffs on outdoor products threaten to raise costs for businesses and consumers alike, creating new economic pressures for an industry that fuels $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supports 5 million jobs. For businesses of all sizes, these rising costs could slow job growth, stifle innovation, and potentially force some to close their doors,” said Kent Ebersole, OIA President. “Outdoor recreation is a crucial force in the U.S. economy, and OIA remains committed to working with our members and policymakers to champion a balanced trade agenda that supports industry growth and success.”

To support the outdoor industry, OIA is providing members with timely alerts and resources on new U.S. tariff actions. Members can access these updates in the OIA Member Portal. 

Cotopaxi, L.L.Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, Global Efficiency Intelligence, and OIA Collaborate to Drive Industry-Wide Emissions Reductions 

BOULDER, CO [Wednesday, January 29, 2025] — Cotopaxi, L.L. Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, Global Efficiency Intelligence, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) proudly introduce the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, an innovative open-source resource designed to help textile mills reduce emissions by transitioning to efficient, electrified heating technologies. Developed as part of OIA’s Clean Heat Impact CoLab, this initiative underscores the outdoor industry’s commitment to decarbonizing the textile industry and driving progress toward bold climate goals. 

The Textile Heating Electrification Tool equips decision-makers with essential data and insights to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems with electric solutions. This innovation addresses the pressing need for decarbonization in the textile and apparel industry, which accounts for approximately 2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and faces growing demand due to population increases and consumer trends. 

Key features of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool include:  

• Data management system 

• Modeling and simulation module 

• Implementation checklist 

• Manufacturer and supplier finder 

The Clean Heat CoLab builds on the findings of the 2023 Electrification of Heating in the Textile Industry study, which highlighted the potential for electric heating technologies to reduce emissions and costs for textile mills. Extending those insights, the CoLab transformed research into actionable solutions. Through beta testing with nominated facilities, the tool was refined to meet the needs of textile manufacturers worldwide. 

“At REI, we believe advancing climate solutions requires broad cooperation. While we have an ambitious goal to halve our emissions by 2030, we can’t meet it without the help of our brand and manufacturing partners,” said Andrew Dempsey, Director of Climate at REI. “Electric heat technologies are a crucial component to decarbonizing textile manufacturing. This tool provides REI and our value chain partners valuable information and analysis to accelerate decision-making about decarbonization investments.” 

Developed under OIA’s Clean Heat CoLab, the tool reflects a collaborative, pre-competitive approach to solving complex climate challenges. OIA Impact CoLabs accelerate industry progress by enabling brands and suppliers to work together, meeting company sustainability goals more efficiently and cost-effectively. Learn more about Impact CoLabs here. 

“Since 2021, Patagonia has partnered with Outdoor Industry Association, through its Clean Heat CoLab, on providing the industry with solutions to decarbonize heating emissions from textile mills,” said Kim Drenner, Head of Environmental Impact at Patagonia. “Over the years, this work has brought together several brands and suppliers funding research and now the development of a tool that supports suppliers in identifying electrified technology to replace fossil fuel-based heat systems in their facilities. This work would not be possible if it wasn’t for the collaborative environment that OIA fosters.” 

The tool is now freely available here. To ensure widespread adoption, Global Efficiency Intelligence will create comprehensive training materials, including user guides, tutorial videos, and FAQs, in five languages. Additionally, online training workshops will give suppliers an opportunity to interact with the tool and ask questions. Register here for the upcoming information session on February 13. 

“A tool that shortens the discovery and due diligence process for implementing electric manufacturing equipment can significantly accelerate decarbonization in the textile supply chain. We are really pleased with the outcome of this collaboration with leading outdoor industry brands,” said Markus Wieser, Climate Team Leader at W.L. Gore & Associates. 

“We’re proud to have led the development of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool to help textile and apparel companies decarbonize their operations and supply chain. By providing clear, data-driven pathways to electrification, this tool offers a powerful blueprint for cutting carbon emissions at scale,” said Dr. Ali Hasanbeigi, CEO and Research Director at Global Efficiency Intelligence. 

“We are thrilled with the launch of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, a vital step in our collective effort to decarbonize the textile industry. This tool combines expertise from across the outdoor industry to provide textile mills with actionable insights to transition to cleaner, more sustainable heating technologies,” said Julie Brown, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at Outdoor Industry Association.  

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.