The fashion industry has long been criticized for its negative impact on the environment. However, there is a growing movement toward sustainability in fashion, and brands like Outerknown are leading the charge. Founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown focuses on creating eco-friendly surfwear that not only looks good but also minimizes harm to the planet. In this article, we’ll explore how Outerknown has integrated sustainability into its products, how they are changing the surfwear industry, and the future of sustainable fashion.
Outerknown’s Eco-Friendly Mission
Outerknown’s mission is rooted in sustainability, aiming to create stylish, performance-driven surfwear that is kind to the planet. Their commitment goes beyond just using eco-friendly materials; it is embedded in the very ethos of the brand.
The Vision Behind Outerknown
Outerknown was founded in 2015 by Kelly Slater, who wanted to create a surfwear brand that not only celebrated his love for the sport but also honored his passion for preserving the environment. Together with designer John Moore, Slater created a brand that prioritizes sustainability in every step of the production process. Their goal is simple: to make clothing that performs well, looks great, and minimizes environmental impact.
- Sustainability at the core: The brand prioritizes environmental consciousness in every design decision.
- Collaboration with experts: The brand works with material scientists and sustainability experts to innovate eco-friendly surfwear solutions.
- Creating a new standard: Outerknown aims to set a new benchmark for the surfwear industry by showing that style and sustainability can coexist.
Outerknown’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the design, production, and distribution of each piece, offering a blend of function and eco-consciousness.
Sustainability at the Core of Their Brand
Unlike many brands that treat sustainability as an afterthought, Outerknown integrates it into the heart of their business. From choosing sustainable materials to ethical labor practices, sustainability is central to everything they do. Outerknown uses a variety of eco-friendly materials, including organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester, to reduce their environmental impact.
- Eco-friendly materials: Outerknown uses organic cotton, hemp, and other sustainable materials in their clothing.
- Efficient production processes: The company works with manufacturers who adhere to high environmental and ethical standards.
- Transparency: Outerknown offers full transparency into their sourcing and production processes, allowing customers to see how their clothes are made.
By making sustainability a priority, Outerknown is setting an example for the entire surfwear industry.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
Outerknown doesn’t just focus on eco-friendly materials but also ensures that their production processes adhere to high ethical standards. They work with Fair Trade Certified factories, which guarantee fair wages and safe working conditions for the workers involved in their production process. Additionally, the company is working toward a goal of fully transparent sourcing, which means consumers can trace where their products are made and how they are produced.
- Fair Trade Certified: Outerknown’s factories meet high ethical standards in terms of wages and working conditions.
- Certified manufacturers: Their partners must meet strict sustainability criteria in production and supply chain management.
- Labor rights: Outerknown focuses on ensuring that workers are treated fairly and paid fairly for their contributions.
By focusing on ethical practices, Outerknown is helping to create a more responsible and transparent fashion industry.
Sustainable Materials Used by Outerknown
One of the standout features of Outerknown’s surfwear is their use of sustainable materials. These materials are not only better for the environment but also ensure that the clothing is comfortable, functional, and long-lasting.
Recycled Fabrics
Outerknown is committed to reducing waste by using recycled materials in many of their products. For example, recycled polyester and nylon are often used to create stylish and functional pieces like jackets, board shorts, and activewear. These fabrics help keep waste out of landfills and reduce the need for virgin materials, which often have a larger environmental impact.
- Recycled polyester: This material is made from post-consumer plastic bottles, reducing the need for new plastic.
- Recycled nylon: Outerknown uses recycled nylon to create durable and long-lasting fabrics, reducing nylon waste.
- Sustainable production: The use of recycled fabrics helps conserve resources and energy during the manufacturing process.
By incorporating recycled fabrics, Outerknown helps to reduce plastic waste and make clothing more sustainable.
Organic Cotton and Hemp
Outerknown’s commitment to sustainability includes using materials like organic cotton and hemp, which are grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. These materials require less water and land to produce compared to conventional cotton, making them a more eco-friendly option. Organic cotton is especially soft and breathable, making it perfect for surfwear and everyday wear.
- Organic cotton: Grown without harmful chemicals, reducing the environmental impact of cotton farming.
- Hemp: Hemp is a fast-growing, low-water plant that provides a durable and breathable fabric.
- Natural fibers: Outerknown emphasizes the use of natural fibers that are kinder to the environment.
These sustainable fabrics make Outerknown’s surfwear not only eco-friendly but also more comfortable and functional.
Wool and Natural Fibers
In addition to using cotton and hemp, Outerknown incorporates other natural fibers, such as responsibly sourced wool and Tencel (a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp). Wool, when sourced responsibly, has minimal environmental impact and is naturally biodegradable, making it an excellent material for eco-conscious consumers. Tencel, known for its softness and moisture-wicking properties, is another eco-friendly fabric that Outerknown uses.
- Wool: Responsibly sourced wool is biodegradable and adds warmth without excessive environmental impact.
- Tencel: Made from sustainably harvested wood pulp, Tencel is soft, breathable, and biodegradable.
- Natural materials: These fibers are not only better for the environment but also perform well in different surf conditions.
Using natural fibers like wool and Tencel ensures that Outerknown’s surfwear is comfortable, functional, and sustainable.
Eco-Friendly Production Processes
Outerknown’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just materials; it also extends to their production processes. The brand is continually innovating to reduce waste, save water, and lower their carbon footprint.
Water-Saving Techniques
The production of surfwear typically involves significant water usage, but Outerknown is working to minimize its water consumption. They use water-saving techniques in the dyeing and finishing processes, ensuring that less water is used in the production of their clothing.
- Efficient dyeing processes: Water-saving dyeing techniques are used to reduce water usage during the production process.
- Eco-friendly finishes: Sustainable finishes help reduce waste and prevent chemicals from polluting water supplies.
- Water recycling: Some production facilities have implemented systems to recycle water used in the manufacturing process.
By adopting water-saving technologies, Outerknown helps conserve one of our most precious resources.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Outerknown also focuses on reducing their carbon footprint. This is achieved through optimizing their manufacturing and shipping processes to ensure minimal energy consumption. The brand works with logistics partners who also adhere to sustainable practices, further reducing emissions in their supply chain.
- Energy-efficient production: Outerknown works with factories that use renewable energy and energy-efficient processes.
- Optimized shipping: The company is constantly looking for ways to reduce emissions from transportation.
- Carbon offsets: Outerknown invests in projects that offset the carbon emissions generated by their production and transportation.
By addressing carbon emissions across the supply chain, Outerknown contributes to a more sustainable and energy-efficient surfwear industry.
Impact of Outerknown on the Surfwear Industry
Outerknown is not just a brand focused on sustainability—it’s also a brand that is inspiring change in the surfwear industry. Through its commitment to eco-friendly practices, Outerknown is challenging other brands to follow suit.
Leading the Way in Eco-Conscious Surfwear
Outerknown has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable surfwear, showing that it is possible to create high-performance, stylish surf clothing without compromising the planet. By using eco-friendly materials and production techniques, they are setting a new standard in the industry.
- Sustainability as a core value: Outerknown is one of the first brands to integrate sustainability into the fabric of surfwear.
- Changing industry norms: The brand is influencing competitors to adopt more sustainable practices.
- Educating consumers: Through marketing campaigns and partnerships, Outerknown raises awareness about sustainability.
Outerknown’s approach to sustainable surfwear is paving the way for a more eco-conscious surfwear industry.
Collaboration with Environmental Organizations
Outerknown’s collaboration with environmental organizations, such as Surfrider Foundation, showcases their commitment to ocean conservation and sustainability. The company has used its platform to advocate for the preservation of the oceans and to promote environmentally responsible surfing culture.
- Surfrider Foundation partnership: Outerknown supports the foundation’s work in protecting oceans and coastlines.
- Sustainable surfing initiatives: The brand encourages surfers to make eco-friendly choices both on and off the waves.
By partnering with environmental organizations, Outerknown strengthens its message of sustainability in the surfing community.
Conclusion
Outerknown has proven that sustainability can go hand in hand with style, performance, and quality. Their dedication to using eco-friendly materials, reducing their carbon footprint, and promoting ethical labor practices is setting a positive example for the surfwear industry. As the brand continues to innovate and push boundaries, it is leading the way toward a more sustainable future for surfwear and fashion as a whole. By supporting brands like Outerknown, consumers can help drive the change needed for a more sustainable fashion industry.