As part of their sustainability strategy, EOC‘s global portfolio of brands is collaborating to reduce waste and increase the recyclability and reusability of their products, production practices, processes and packaging. This effort is being spearheaded by the Collective Progress initiative, which is based on three pillars: innovation, access and well-being. EOC has set ambitious carbon reduction goals of 50% by 2030, 80% by 2040, and 100% by 2050.
The three pillars of the Collective Progress initiative have specific goals. Collective Innovation focuses on improving product performance through research, development, and design while reducing the environmental impact of their products. Collective Access aims to make outdoor experiences accessible to all, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Finally, Collective Well-being recognizes the importance of the outdoors in promoting health, mindfulness, and inspiration.
EOC believes that the outdoors are essential to a better life for everyone. To preserve and protect these spaces, the company is committed to driving sustainability and focusing on the Collective Progress initiative. This initiative unites EOC’s collective actions and enables innovation, access, and well-being in everything they do. EOC brands are collaborating to streamline their processes and reduce their environmental impact, thereby preserving the very environment that drives their passion and that of their customers.
“Sustainability must be at the core of everything we do,” said John Colonna, CEO, Elevate Outdoor Collective. “Through Collective Progress, we aim to preserve and improve the experience for generations to come and with it can unlock greater innovation across our brands, drive access to these sports, and foster well-being through our customers and employees.”
EOC brands are taking action in four key areas to immediately reduce their impact on the climate across their product portfolio. These areas are product, production, packaging, and processes.
In terms of product, EOC brands are leading the way in utilizing innovative technologies and materials such as Bio-resin, Green Core, Pebax Rnew, WEND natural wax, and FSC-certified wood cores for skis and snowboards.
EOC factories are also focusing on reducing their emissions and waste across production. They are achieving this by utilizing solar and wind power, recycled wood scraps, and reclaimed water.
In packaging, EOC brands are eliminating single-use plastics wherever possible and converting to FSC-certified, recycled-content, paper-based material. They aim to use 100% recyclable or bio-based packaging by 2025.
Finally, EOC brands are implementing new processes such as material reductions, reduced airfreight, and enhanced digital capabilities to further reduce their impact on the environment.
To ensure they are making a real impact, EOC works with several third-party partners including the Higg Index, The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Climate United. These organizations help EOC and other outdoor businesses objectively measure and report their progress towards sustainability goals.
As EOC works tirelessly towards their net-zero emissions goal, John Colonna notes, “We hope these audacious goals can be a driver for our industry. The passion and love that our teams have for the places we play is undeniable and we’ll be bringing that energy to our collective mission. It is empowering to feel the excitement from our team as this platform brings together the things that we care about most.”
