The European Outdoor Group (EOG) and Equip Outdoor Technologies, owner of Rab and Lowe Alpine, are inviting new members to join The Material Facts Collective. This industry working group collective is aiming to create a shared standard for product sustainability claims. With participation from leading U.K., U.S. and European brands such as Atomic, JD Outdoor and Ortovox, the collective is aiming to publish a formalized, unbranded data methodology in 2025.
Originally launched in 2023, Equip developed its material facts tables as a methodology to provide consumers with a clear standard for communicating sustainability credentials. Consumers can use the familiar-looking data to make educated, value-based purchase decisions.
The Material Facts Collective plans to take this to the next level by:
- Bringing together industry partners, brands and retailers with different product categories and materials.
- Allowing the original material facts methodology to be tested and improved.
- Making the methodology work for new categories and data criteria.
- Providing a scalable solution.
The Collective has the first working session planned at the end of September.
“With a network of leading brands from the industry who have already participated in our webinars, and nine brands and retailers already committed to the working group, we’re encouraging more industry partners to join us,” noted Equip CEO, Richard Leedham. “Together, we can efficiently develop sustainability data that consumers want, in a way that prepares us all for the upcoming legislation.”
“In an ideal world, comparable sustainability data flows automatically from brands to retailers, to customers and policymakers,” added Katy Stevens, head of CSR and sustainability, EOG. “Retailers and brands recognize the need for standardization. The Material Facts Collective provides a unique opportunity for brands to collaborate on developing that industry standard.”
At this year’s European Outdoor Summit, Equip will share more about The Material Facts Collective working group. In a discussion with Stevens, Jon Frederick and Debbie Read from Equip took to the stage at ‘The Future of Sustainability Data’ session on Thu., Sep. 19..
Additional info can be found here.
