Osprey is a global leader in designing and manufacturing high-performance activewear and gear. As an environmentally conscious company, Osprey incorporates sustainability practices into every aspect of their business – from materials sourcing and production to packaging and delivery. Osprey’s commitment to environmental stewardship sets them apart in the outdoor industry.
Some key ways Osprey works to reduce their environmental impact include:
Sustainable Materials Sourcing
Osprey utilizes recycled and Bluesign approved materials in many of their products. Bluesign is a third-party certification that ensures textiles are manufactured sustainably. For example, Osprey’s current backpack collections are constructed with 100% recycled nylon fabric. This diverts waste from landfills and reduces the company’s reliance on virgin materials.
Responsible Down Sourcing
For insulated jackets and sleeping bags, Osprey sources goose and duck down from suppliers with certified humane practices. The down is also certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) which ensures no live-plucking or force-feeding of birds occurs. Osprey is committed to an ethical down supply chain.
PFC-Free DWR
Osprey uses a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) across their entire product range. PFCs are chemicals commonly used for water resistance that persist in the environment. Osprey’s switch to PFC-free DWR in 2014 helped reduce the company’s chemical footprint.
Reduced Packaging
To minimize waste, Osprey’s packaging contains at least 50% recycled content and is 100% recyclable. On average, their packaging contains 75% recycled material. Osprey has also phased out polybags, further reducing packaging waste.
Environmentally-Friendly Manufacturing
In addition to material choices, Osprey utilizes environmentally-conscious practices at their manufacturing facilities.
Solar Power
Osprey’s primary backpack factory in Vietnam is powered by a massive rooftop solar array consisting of 3,268 panels. This covers 80% of the facility’s power needs, offsetting 450 tons of carbon per year.
Renewable Energy
Osprey’s headquarters in Cortez, Colorado is 100% powered by renewable energy credits through their local electricity provider. This supports the development of wind and solar farms.
Sustainable Building Design
Osprey’s newer facilities meet LEED standards for green buildings. This includes use of natural lighting, climate control, stormwater management, and other energy-efficient features. Their Ogden, Utah factory features real-time energy usage monitoring to optimize conservation.
Zero Waste
Osprey’s goal is to achieve zero waste operations through recycling, composting, and waste minimization. Their facilities currently divert over 90% of waste from landfills. Osprey also operates an on-site Living Machine that uses ecology to process wastewater.
Offsetting Emissions
Osprey offsets the carbon emissions associated with employees’ business travel by investing in renewable energy and reforestation projects. This helps account for unavoidable emissions.
Product Lifespan and Repairability
In addition to sustainable sourcing and manufacturing, Osprey also considers long-term product durability and lifetime environmental impacts.
“Guaranteed for Life” Warranty
Osprey offers an exceptional lifetime warranty called the “All Mighty Guarantee”. This covers any damage or defects for the functional lifetime of their backpacks and gear. This encourages customers to repair products rather than replace them.
Product Redesign for Longevity
For their backpacks, Osprey switched from straight-zip models to panel loading packs without zippers. This improved ventilation and weather resistance compared to packs with zippers which degrade over time. The improved product design increases durability.
Web-Based Repair Guidance
Osprey maintains an online library of detailed instructions and videos for repairing their products at home. This helps customers fix gear instead of replacing it. Osprey also provides a mail-in repair service.
Recycled Packs Program
Customers can return damaged Osprey packs to be recycled. Osprey then cleans and repairs these packs to sell at a discount, giving used gear a second life. This reduces waste and the need for new materials.
Osprey Backpack | Key Sustainable Features |
---|---|
Aether AG 85 | Bluesign approved fabric, PFC-free DWR, recycled mesh pockets, offset lifetime carbon footprint |
Fairview 70 | 100% recycled nylon, responsibly sourced down, recyclable buckles and webbing |
Atmos AG 65 | 210D recycled nylon, non-PFC durable water repellent, bio-based harness |
Corporate Sustainability Initiatives
Beyond product design and manufacturing, Osprey also takes a big picture approach to sustainability through corporate initiatives like:
1% for the Planet
Osprey donates 1% of total sales to environmental nonprofits through 1% for the Planet. This has resulted in over $2 million in donations so far.
Sustainable Apparel Coalition
Osprey is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition which develops sustainability measurement tools for the footwear and clothing industry. This allows them to benchmark progress.
Social Compliance Auditing
Osprey facilities and suppliers undergo regular social compliance audits by third parties like the Fair Factories Clearinghouse. This ensures workers are fairly paid in safe conditions.
Internal Sustainability Team
Osprey has an internal sustainability action team focused on continuous improvement around materials, manufacturing, packaging, company culture, and supply chain transparency.
Sustainability Reporting
Each year, Osprey releases a sustainability report summarizing their environmental initiatives and progress. They also maintain a corporate sustainability website.
Conclusion
As an outdoor gear company, Osprey has a responsibility to protect the wild spaces their customers treasure. Through a holistic approach considering every life cycle stage of their products, Osprey aims to lighten their environmental footprint while enabling greener adventures. From sustainable materials sourcing to durable product design and corporate initiatives, Osprey sets an example for responsible business practices reducing waste and harmful impacts. While no company is perfect, Osprey’s comprehensive commitment to sustainability sets them apart as a leader in the outdoor industry’s movement towards greener products and operations. With persistent innovation and transparency, Osprey gives hope that the equipment we depend on for exploring wild places will continue to protect the landscapes we love for generations to come.