Sustainable Smartwool
Smartwool has set a north star to be climate positive—to do more than offset the bad, but leave the environment better than we found it. That’s why we’re looking at our entire supply chain and identifying areas where we can go further than just reducing our environmental impact and, instead, help revitalize the earth we love to explore.
100% Climate Positive Wool Sourced
What it means:
To have a positive impact on nature, we need to source wool from producers using practices that remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than what is emitted during production.
And on-farm emissions associated with our wool account for up to 58% of our product carbon footprint.
How we’ll get there:
We joined forces with the New Zealand Merino Company to launch the ZQRX regenerative wool platform. Our growers are on the path to sequestering carbon, improving biodiversity and bettering the planet.
100% Regenerative, Recycled, or Responsibly
Sourced Renewable Materials
What it means:
We are on a journey to use the most sustainable materials available, while still focusing on durability and equipping you to perform at the highest level.
How we’ll get there:
When it comes to packaging, we’ve proudly joined the Responsible Packaging Movement to collaborate across the outdoor industry to eliminate polybags in our supply chain. We’re also committed to eliminating single-use plastics in our packaging by 2025.
When it comes to products, we are converting our virgin synthetic fibers to recycled wherever possible while we continue to develop natural performance solutions. Learn more about VF Corporation’s sustainable materials vision and goals here.
Shift Towards a more Circular Business Model
What it means:
We’re focused on closing the loop—making it our mission to design products to be loved and last, but eventually can be disassembled, recycled, and enter systems that extend the lifetime of our products.
How we’ll get there:
Whether it's recycling old socks into new ones, taking fabric scraps and creating a whole new material, or helping you sell your old base layer to a lucky new customer (coming soon), we got you.
Designing products for minimal waste and future disassembly.
Collecting preconsumer manufacturing waste for future products.
Collecting old socks to be recycled into new products.
Exploring opportunities for apparel resale and repair.
At Smartwool, we are committed to building a more sustainable future. That's why we have set an ambitious goal for 2030: to employ 100% climate positive wool used, 100% regenerative materials, and 100% circular products in our business. We believe that these practices are essential for reducing our environmental impact and creating a more resilient planet. By creating climate-positive wool, we can actually neutralize our carbon footprint. By using regenerative materials, we can promote healthy ecosystems and support Merino wool farmers and ranchers who are working to preserve our natural resources. And by creating circular products, we can reduce waste and keep valuable resources in use for longer.
Join us on this journey towards sustainability and help us make a positive impact on the world.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Our "100% Climate Positive Wool" represents a commitment to sourcing wool that actively benefits the environment. This involves working with producers who employ practices that sequester more carbon dioxide than what is emitted during the entire production process. We aim to not just reduce our carbon footprint but to positively impact nature, contributing to a healthier planet.
Our strategy for achieving 100% regenerative, recycled, or responsibly sourced materials encompasses several key initiatives. This includes engaging in partnerships aimed at eliminating unnecessary packaging and committing to the eradication of single-use plastics in our product packaging by 2025. We are also converting our use of virgin synthetic fibers to recycled alternatives, reinforcing our dedication to sustainability without compromising the durability and performance of our products.
Our consumers play a crucial role in supporting sustainability efforts. By participating in recycling programs, choosing products made with sustainable materials, and advocating for environmental stewardship, consumers can contribute significantly to the success of our sustainability initiatives.