PROTACT 2024

the ortovox sustainability strategy

ProtACT2024 is our next step towards more sustainability. Based upon our core values, protACT2024 combines existing initiatives with binding goals, which will be implemented by 2024.

ortovox Protects...

...sheep

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...people

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...the mountains

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...you

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...USING INNOVATION

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...REGIONAL UNIQUENESS

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ORTOVOX PROTECTS SHEEP

Animal protection – in particular the welfare of sheep – determines our actions as wool experts. In 2017, we used this as a basis for developing our own wool standard. The ORTOVOX WOOL PROMISE (OWP) stands for the highest quality of animal welfare and sustainable economic management. Furthermore, all farms are certified to the international Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). Regulations are essential, but for us the basic premise remains the honesty, ambitious mindset and involvement of all partners. That’s why we also hold regular ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS to utilize and intensify our close, friendly cooperation with sheep farmers, producers and experts. Here we bring different interest groups together to openly discuss challenges, implement new ideas and develop solutions.

GOAL: 100 % OWP-VERIFIED WOOL BY 2024

The goal is to further strengthen the ORTOVOX WOOL PROMISE by 2024. As part of this, SWISSWOOL, the traditional wool from the Swiss Alps used primarily as insulation material, will also be included in the OWP. Integration is planned for 2021/2022. Furthermore, we have set ourselves the goal of demonstrating transparency in all processes and procurement steps.

The ortovox wool promise

THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF ANIMAL WELFARE

We work with selected farms that meet our high quality standards in line with the OWP. Based upon the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), the OWP takes an even more extensive approach.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OWP

swisswool

REGIONALITY MEETS SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

We have been using Swiss wool as a filler material for our insulating products since 2011. The SWISSWOOL products are characterized by their regional origin, short transport routes and the fact that they are processed entirely in Europe. To this end, 26 collection points have been set up across Switzerland to which even the smallest wool farms can send their wool in return for fair payment. The Swiss wool industry, once presumed dead, has been revitalized thanks to the SWISSWOOL initiative.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SWISSWOOL PROJECT

merino wool from tasmania

Full transparency

We know exactly where our merino wool comes from. Transparency and traceability are important to us. However, it is just as important to us to stay in contact with the people that give us access to our most important raw material.

Tasmania offers us perfect conditions for high quality merino wool: moderate climate, nutritious food sources and almost unlimited freedom.

GET TO KNOW OUR WOOL FARMS

ORTOVOX PROTECTS PEOPLE

The fair treatment of employees, customers and business partners is our highest priority. We have been a member of the PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE TEXTILES initiative and the FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION (FWF) since 2015.

Our commitment to fair working conditions was rewarded once again in 2019 when it received FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP STATUS – the FWF’s highest accolade. Since 2018 we maintain the status.

GOAL: MAINTAINING FWF LEADER STATUS

We have set ourselves the goal of maintaining LEADER STATUS within the FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION. The status of the FWF is reviewed annually and as such calls for a process of continuous improvement. In concrete terms, this means we are committed to continually making production planning more efficient and socially acceptable. The status also includes payment of a living wage in a safe, healthy working environment. For example, as part of the roadmap of the PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE TEXTILES, We are also committed to improving chemical and environmental management among all manufacturers.

FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION (FWF)

FOCUS UPON WORKING CONDITIONS

The FWF is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes good working conditions within the textile industry. ORTOVOX works with a total of 45 suppliers. Over half of our textile products are manufactured in Europe. Whether in Europe or beyond, we select our factories in accordance with guidelines set down by the FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION.

Once a year, the Fair Wear Foundation carries out a Brand Performance Check of its members. This check examines the internal management systems in order to assess the ways in which a company implements the FWF code of conduct along its value-added chain.

DOWNLOAD THE LATEST BRAND PERFORMANCE CHECK

PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE TEXTILES

IMPROVEMENTS along THE ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN

Since 2014, the PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE TEXTILES has fought for the improvement of social, economic and ecological conditions along the entire textile and clothing sector supply chain. For ORTOVOX, membership means increased transparency and improved cooperation within the textiles industry. A binding roadmap was published for the first time in 2018.

DOWNLOAD THE CURRENT ROADMAP

SUSTAINABILITY INSIGHTS 19/20

Overview of all CSR goals and progress.

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ORTOVOX PROTECTS REGIONAL UNIQUENESS

We use and nurture natural resources and traditional expertise worldwide – such as Tasmania’s centuries-old experience in processing merino wool. And since its early years, the brand has also relied specifically on local raw materials and regional craftsmanship The ORTOVOX textile production chain currently comprises 49 companies in 13 countries. 56.22% of all textile products are made in Europe.

GOAL: 60% OF PRODUCTION IN EUROPE

We have set ourselves the goal of continuing to manufacture at least 60% of our production volume in Europe. Working closely with local stakeholders, we are also committed to supporting special activities at international locations. For example, the Tarkine rainforest in Tasmania, the island that is home to our merino sheep, is one of the largest, oldest and most biodiverse landscapes in the world. However, large-scale clearances by the mining and timber industry threaten its unique diversity – and what is an enormous green lung for our planet. We are supporting the Bob Brown Foundation, which is committed to the conservation of the rainforest, with various campaigns. For every order purchased from the online store and not returned, we are donating 3 euros to the Foundation. We also invested 10,000 euros in the Tarkine Trail app, which is designed to promote soft tourism in the region. In addition to providing financial support to the Bob Brown Foundation, we also equip local environmental protection teams with backpacks and clothing.

ORTOVOX PROTECTS THE MOUNTAINS

Protection of the environment is part of our self-image and influences the company’s actions. Our declared goal is to achieve climate neutrality at all company sites and for all products. Initially this means accurately measuring the carbon footprint, then developing a strategy to reduce this to a minimum and offset the remainder.

GOAL: CLIMATE NEUTRALITY

We will measure our carbon footprint – taking into account energy, water, heat and paper consumption, the commutes that our employees make to and from work and the production of climate-neutral products – before drawing up and implementing measures to maximize its reduction. Unavoidable CO2 emissions will ultimately be offset by compensatory measures. We will therefore be completely climate-neutral by 2024.

save the tarkine

ortovox PROTECTS THE TARKINE RAINFOREST

The Tarkine Rainforest is in the north-west of Tasmania, the home of our merino sheep. It is one of the most significant primeval landscapes in the world – but is highly threatened by the massive clearances carried out by the mining and timber industry. For every package bought from our online shop and not returned, we donate 3 euros to the Bob Brown Foundation for the conservation of the Tarkine – while also saving the CO2 emissions associated with returns. We also donated 10,000 euros for the development of the Tarkine Trail app, which seeks to promote soft tourism in the region and create alternative jobs for the loggers. We also equip local environmental protection teams with backpacks and clothing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOB BROWN FOUNDATION

eoca

GLOBALLY ACTIVE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

ORTOVOX has been a member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) since summer 2016, and an EOCA Summit Member since 2019. The group of companies from the European outdoor industry has been collecting donations for charitable projects since it was founded in 2006. These projects are not tied to geographical locations: From creating an environmental path in Nepal and waste disposal projects in Kyrgyzstan to protecting brown bears in Spain and protecting peat bogs in Ireland, the EOCA supports projects across the entire world.

PRESERVE THE LAST WILDERNESS

SUPPORT US IN THE FIGHT TO PRESERVE THE TARKINE RAINFOREST

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 3 ACTIONS

ORTOVOX PROTECTS YOU

ORTOVOX products protect mountain athletes through their reliable functionality and high-quality materials. The products facilitate rapid, life-saving action in emergency situations and guarantee protection against the adversities of nature. For us, this safety focus also means ensuring that all of our suppliers fulfil their responsibilities with regard to chemical management, and work together to improve standards on an ongoing basis.

AIM: 100% PFC-FREE

In order to ensure that no harmful substances are used in our products, we require our partners and suppliers to comply with our “Guide to Chemical Management and Compliance”. This includes the MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List) from the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals), and the RSL (Restricted Substances List) based upon the rigorous bluesign® standard. We also provide our suppliers with comprehensive information on issues such as good housekeeping, wastewater management, etc.

Furthermore, we are working to phase out PFC-free products step by step, with the aim of selling only PFC-free products by 2024. Starting at the latest with the 21/22 winter collection all SWISSWOOL products will be completely PFC free, extending to all softshell products from winter 22/23, and all hardshell products and accessories from winter 23/24.

Learn more about PFCs

ORTOVOX PROTECTS USING SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

Our passion for the mountains drives us to take new paths when designing functional and sustainable products and processes. When it comes to technical innovation, we have been one of the outdoor industry’s leading brands since our foundation in 1980. From the outset, the issue of durability has also been a decisive factor in the development of our products. This approach will now be strengthened through our Second Life efforts and initiatives.

goal: MOUNTAIN SECOND LIFE

Durability and reparability have a significant influence upon the sustainability of a product and are, therefore, of particular importance to us. Our Second Life strategy focuses upon the best possible use and care of our products, further optimization of reparability and the development of solutions that will facilitate and simplify the recycling of used products.