Royal Robbins Becomes bluesign System Partner

Royal Robbins’ commitment to environmental and social responsibility dates back to the brand’s birth in the Yosemite Valley in 1968. Today, thanks to newly appointed CEO Michael Millenacker, Royal Robbins is doubling down on its founder’s original commitment to environmental preservation by signing on as a bluesign®  System Partner.

Iconic rock climber Royal Robbins was one of the first and most vocal proponents of clean climbing. In 1967, he and his wife, Liz, made the first ascent of Nutcracker in the Yosemite Valley using only removable nuts for protection. It was the first climb of its kind in the United States. In May 1967, Robbins advocated using nuts rather than pounding pitons into the granite cracks in his seminal article in Summit Magazine.

“Environmental safekeeping is the core foundation of our brand’s heritage,” said Millenacker. “We are devoted to continuing and expanding on Royal and Liz’s original vision. We are committed to social responsibility and are taking several steps to improve our day-to-day business.”

Royal Robbins partnered with bluesign in order to evaluate and reduce its textile production and manufacturing chain’s environmental impacts. Millenacker will work with factory partners to improve performance and reduce impacts in resource and energy productivity, consumer safety, water emissions, air emissions, and occupational health and safety.