(Credit: The North FaceThe North Face is a well-known outdoor clothing and equipment brand that is known for its commitment to sustainability. The company has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. The North Face's commitment to sustainability is driven by its belief that protecting the planet is essential for the future of outdoor recreation.
"Sustainability is not just about reducing our impact; it's about making a positive impact. We want to be a force for good in the world, and we're committed to doing that through our products, our operations, and our partnerships." - Hilaree Nelson, The North Face Athlete, and Global Team Captain
Suppliers
The company collaborates with various organizations such as the Apparel Impact Institute, International Finance Corporation’s Vietnam Improvement Program (VIP) and Partnership for Cleaner Textile (PaCT) Program, the German International Development Agency (GIZ), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to assist suppliers in enhancing their energy efficiency and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
The aim is to assist the key suppliers in reducing their Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% before 2030. In 2022, ten significant suppliers have joined The North Face's energy efficiency partnership programs, which include rooftop solar programs. These programs are already in progress in Jordan, Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Bangladesh.
Packaging, Materials & Circularity
Since 2011, the company has recycled more than 6 Million Polybags. In most retail locations, customers can expect to carry out their purchases in Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)-certified paper bags.
Through its "Clothes the Loop" initiative, the company gathers pre-owned clothing and footwear from its patrons and recycles them to create fresh merchandise. Additionally, its "Renewed" program restores and sells gently used apparel and equipment effectively reducing waste and prolonging the lifespan of The North Face's offerings.
Further, The North Face is also committed to responsible sourcing and implemented programs like the Responsible Down Standard, which ensures that the down used in its products comes from animals that have not been subjected to unnecessary harm, and committed to sourcing 100% of its cotton from sustainable sources by 2025 and footwear and equipment by 2030.
Inclusivity, Social Responsibility
In addition to its efforts to reduce its environmental impact, The North Face is committed to promoting inclusivity in outdoor recreation. The company has formed The Explore Fund Council, a group of leaders across culture, entertainment, and academia, to co-develop Seven Practices for Inclusive Exploration, an inclusivity framework to make work at The North Face and in the outdoors more inclusive
In 2020, the company demonstrated its impressive ability to inspire action through its recent stance against hate speech. The outdoor retailer set an example for others by being the first brand to participate in the #StopHateForProfit campaign and boycott Facebook alongside organizations like NAACP, ADL, and Color of Change.
