Using it as a tool to annually share its progress, achievements and future targets around its efforts as a responsible global corporate citizen, Outdoor Research (OR), the Seattle-based manufacturer of technical outdoor apparel, recently published its inaugural Annual Impact Report. The report is a tool OR will use to annually share its progress, achievements and future targets around its efforts as a responsible global corporate citizen.
“The textile industry’s impact on the environment is significant and we recognize our responsibility to take action to mitigate the effects of our business on the planet,” explains OR president Roger Barton. “Our inaugural Annual Impact Report reflects our commitment to sustainability and our vision for an inclusive and ethical future in the outdoor apparel industry.”
Outdoor Research has taken significant steps in recent years to drive positive change though its business practices. Among the report’s key highlights are its efforts to source sustainable materials, promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within its workforce, nurture supplier relationships and champion workers’ rights. The company has also made progress in mitigating its carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources and utilizing advanced tracking tools to measure and improve its environmental impact.
“We believe transparency is crucial in fostering trust and building a strong relationship with our customers,” adds Dan Mayers, brand communications manager. “[This] reflects our dedication to improving how we operate our business. We’re proud to join others in the outdoor industry who are holding themselves accountable to their customers and stakeholders.”
Promising to continue these ambitious efforts, Outdoor Research also outlined a few more things on the horizon for the company:
• Continuing the development of a plan to achieve its science-aligned climate targets. This work takes discipline and creativity and is an ongoing process.
• Its swiftest opportunity for carbon impact reduction is its products. OR is looking at its largest collections and styles to determine projects to reduce environmental impact, along with exploring water and energy reductions, decarbonization and emerging raw material innovations.
• Continuing a focused dialog with its supply chain partners about opportunities for improvement in social and environmental topics.
• Its inclusive size initiative continues to grow and the brand will be bringing more of its products to more end users through market expansion.
“Process” in sustainability is often lacking, but vitally important. OR is constantly weaving this topic into everyday business — specifically go-to-market meetings, budget reviews, product development and supply chain analytics.
The full report can be accessed at
outdoorresearch.com/us/responsibility.
