Hydro Flask, a leader in high-performance, insulated stainless steel flasks and soft good innovations and a Helen of Troy brand, has announced progress on its sustainability journey.
Starting in Spring 2022, Hydro Flask began rolling out Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified packaging, including 80-100 percent recycled content. By the end of the calendar year, the goal is for all primary packaging to be FSC certified and carry the How2Recycle label, eliminating the guesswork about how to recycle and properly dispose of packaging.
Additionally, single-use plastic packing has been eliminated for more than 90 percent of the brand’s products – a change that equates to the weight of the plastic in 13 million single-use plastic water bottles in the first year alone.
“We want our packaging to be a true reflection of our commitment to do better for the environment,” said Larry Witt, [resident of Home & Outdoor, Helen of Troy. “We’re working to eliminate plastic, ensuring our packaging is recyclable or contains recycled content. Simply put, we want to make our packaging as good as our gear.”
In partnership with parent company Helen of Troy, Hydro Flask is taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions internally and externally. In line with the standards of the science-based targets initiative, Hydro Flask is working toward the following commitments:
- Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 46.2 percent by fiscal 2030, based on a fiscal 2020 baseline, including all emissions from direct operations.
- Collaborate closely with third-party manufacturers to drive emissions reductions in supply chain by 42 percent by fiscal 2030, based on a fiscal 2021 baseline. Helen of Troy and Hydro Flask are developing a pilot program with one of its key suppliers to drive improvements in environmental impacts, with the expectation to expand to other suppliers in the future.
In addition to GHG targets, the brand uses multi-stakeholder tools such as the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) assessment tool. Hydro Flask was an early hard goods adopter of the Higg FEM including the verification element and first piloted the tool in 2017. After initial low assessment scores, over the following three years with trainings and the support of its Asia-based team, Hydro Flask’s average verified factory FEM scores improved by 94%.
On the product side, Hydro Flask introduced its first soft good product made with recycled material, the Slingback Bottle Pack. The new Slingback Bottle Pack is crafted of 100 percent recycled polyester body, air mesh and ripstop lining, and holds up to a 32 oz Hydro Flask bottle. The sling design offers a secure fit, the strap is soft and breathable, and the internal storage contains two zippered compartments, — a padded tablet sleeve and a hidden valuables pocket. The June launch of the Slingback Bottle Pack is part of Hydro Flask’s continued commitment to contributing to the aspirational goal of a circular economy through material choices and smart packaging, in addition to our reusable products. MSRP: $59.95
Additionally, Hydro Flask understands that partnering with like-minded organizations and giving back to communities is critical to the success of a healthy planet. Through its Refill for Good program, Hydro Flask has worked with several organizations, including a 2021 partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, to remove more than 7,500 pounds of trash from coastlines, provide consumers with reusable bottles, and help individuals find safe drinking water.
Lastly, since 2017 the brand’s Parks for All Program has given more than $2.5 million to program partners focused on building, maintaining, restoring and providing more equitable access to parks. Recognizing the importance of supporting organizations well-positioned to make positive change for outdoor equity, 75 percent of the 2022 grantees are led by People of Color and/or other historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, including women, LGBTQIA2S+, and people with disabilities. Hydro Flask is also committed to this work internally, with a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee to educate associates on creating a culture of belonging for all.
To learn more about Hydro Flask’s corporate responsibility efforts and projects, visit https://www.hydroflask.com/corporate-responsibility.
