Higg, OIA, and EOG Are Equipping the Outdoor Industry to Be More Sustainable
For outdoor brands, measuring the impact of everything from technical gear and hard goods to performance apparel can be challenging. European Outdoor Group (EOG) is proud to announce our partnerships with Higg and the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). These collaborations offer the industry the opportunity to align on standards of measurement, reporting, and production. With many brands already engaging with all three entities, the harmonisation will enable outdoor businesses to consistently measure, benchmark, and progress using a standard measurement system.
The relationships among Higg, OIA, and EOG provide the outdoor industry the opportunity to prioritise the tools and solutions it needs most. We’re optimistic that this repository of reliable primary data and leading industry measurement and analytics tools can help spearhead more sustainable production. In addition, we look forward to expanding product and material categories with insights from industry leaders. Facilities using Higg can continue to provide valuable data to the brands they work with, while forging stronger business partnerships.
Just like the outdoor industry, sustainability measurement continues to evolve. Materials are more advanced and technical. Enthusiasts increasingly look for brands that match their environmental and social values. With Higg, smaller brands have a unified view of their supply chain and can take responsibility for their entire impact – from carbon emissions to working conditions, materials to products, and stores. With resources through OIA, EOG, and Higg, they have the expert guidance and support to make decisions based on their unique needs and product lifecycle.
For example, EOG’s grant program is furthering brands’ ability to measure and take action, providing businesses that want to make a difference free access to Higg platform. Equip Outdoor Technologies, Halti, INTERSPORT IIC, and ORTOVOX are among the companies that have already participated in the program to expand their sustainability initiatives.
The Higg grant scheme from EOG represented a great opportunity for us at ORTOVOX to try out the Higg Index in a structured and informative approach within the wide range of its possibilities. It allowed us step by step to start working with the tool with the professional support of the Higg team. This was a stepping stone for us!
— Andreas Wolf, CSR Manager
Through OIA’s Climate Action Corps, outdoor brands are banding together and committing to be the first climate positive industry by 2030. Being climate positive means reducing your greenhouse gas emissions in line with a science-based target (SBT) that addresses all scopes, removing even more GHG from the atmosphere than you emit, and for broader systemic change. Brands in the coalition have ambitious goals, and with the right tools, they can get there.
As a founding member of the Climate Action Corps, NEMO Equipment is paving the way for broad industry progress using Higg tools.
NEMO utilizes the Higg MSI and Product Tool during our design process. Next, we’re working to integrate Higg data in our PLM system, and integrate FEM and FSLM in our Quality Program. Along with providing great tools, Higg has a team of experts who make training and sharing best practices a priority.
— Theresa McKenney, Director of Sustainability
Today, over 150 brands and retailers from OIA and EOG’s combined member base are utilising Higg tools and data to help them with their sustainability goals and initiatives in the outdoor industry.
Together, we are excited to further empower the outdoor industry in their impact goals, and we look forward to seeing these partnerships grow.
EOG members who wish to take part in the HIGG Grants programme next year should contact katy.stevens@europeanoutdoorgroup.com
Learn more about how our partnerships with each organisation can help you reach your goals.
Register for our EOG webinar on January 18, 2023 from 2:00-3:00pm CET / 1:00-2:00pm GMT
Register for our OIA webinar on January 19, 2023 from 3:00-4:00pm EST / 12:00-1:00pm PST