Icebreaker Releases Transparency Report

Sustainable outdoor apparel provider Icebreaker made headlines this week when the company released its first-ever Transparency Report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of Icebreaker’s entire operations including details about where the company sources its materials as well as its design principles, product safety, packaging and more. In other words, the company’s provides visibility of its entire supply chain.

“Our thinking was simple,” explained Icebreaker CEO Greg Smith. “What if our customers could see everything we do?’’

Icebreaker says 85 percent of its raw material consumption comes from natural fibers, 100 percent of the ink used in its packaging is vegetable based, its glue is water based and the company even uses poly-bags that are degradable and made from recycled plastic. The report also mentions how the company is working on a water-soluble bio-bag.

One of the most impressive parts of the report was the section detailing the company’s efforts to audit its growers. According to the report, 100 percent of Icebreaker’s contracted merino wool stations have been audited in the last three years. 66 percent had no issues, while 34 percent were given corrective plans.

“Transparency opens us up to the deepest possible feedback on the decisions we make. We need it,” stated Icebreaker Chairman Rob Fyfe. “This is what will allow Icebreaker, the industry we work in, and our entire economic system to evolve and improve.”