SCANDINAVIAN OUTDOOR BRANDS TAKE IMPORTANT STEPS TO REDUCE CLIMATE IMPACT
The Scandinavian Outdoor Group (SOG) is strengthening its climate focus through the SOG Climate Commitment, encouraging member companies to publicly commit to climate impact reductions in line with the Paris Agreement. Several of the group’s leading outdoor brands have now made public commitments, confirming their dedication to achieving science-based climate targets.
AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The SOG Climate Commitment requires companies to align with the Paris Agreement and a 1.5-degree climate ambition by setting clear emission reduction goals and reporting their progress, through a UN Race to Zero aligned initiative or the Scandinavian Textile Initiative for Climate Action, STICA.
“It is very encouraging to see these outdoor brands demonstrating leadership through their commitment to climate action. Not only does this make business sense, considering emerging legislation and increasing demands from retailers and financial actors. But it is the right thing to do given the seriousness of the climate challenge we all face together. There is no outdoor industry on a dead planet.” says Michael Schragger, Director, The Scandinavian Textile Initiative for Climate Action (STICA).
SOG MEMBERS THAT HAVE CURRENTLY MADE PUBLIC CLIMATE COMMITMENTS INCLUDE:
Aclima
Alfa Sko
Bergans of Norway
FabPatch
Fjällräven
Glerups
Haglöfs
Halti
Houdini
Icebug
Isbjörn of Sweden
Kilometer Studios
Kuoma
Kupilka
Lundhags
Mini A Ture
OrganoClick
Pinewood
Primus
Pomar
Reima
Silva
Suprabeam
Sjö&Hav
Thule
Viking Footwear
Woolpower
These brands are taking clear responsibility for reducing their climate impact and inspiring other players in the outdoor industry to follow suit.
“This is a pivotal time for our group – a crucial moment for Scandinavian outdoor brands to prove that we are not only talking about climate action but truly acting on it. We now need everyone on board. True leadership means stepping up, even when the path is tough. I urge all members to join this commitment – to safeguard the outdoors that not only inspire us, but sustain us” states Maria Frykman, CEO of Isbjörn of Sweden and Chair of SOG.
“No company is too small to make a difference. Committing to the SOG Climate Commitment is not just a pledge — it’s a call to action. As an SME, we want to show that leadership in climate responsibility starts with courage, not company size. We urge the rest of the industry to join us, the future won’t wait, adds Marianne Haaber Ihle, CPO of Mini a ture Copenhagen.
IT’S AN ONGOING JOURNEY
The SOG Climate Commitment was launched in 2022, based on a member majority decision. The goal is for all member companies to make a public climate commitment and actively work towards reducing their environmental impact.
Through shared knowledge, transparency and cross-industry collaborations, Scandinavian outdoor brands can continue to be a global role model for sustainability.
“This is an important milestone, but we are far from there yet. We encourage all our members to take the necessary step and show that Scandinavian outdoor brands take the climate challenge seriously. It’s critical for all businesses to stay in front in this matter” says David Nordblad, Secretary General at SOG.
SOG, together with supporting partner Peak 63, provide support for members’ entry into climate work through webinars, guidelines and individual guidance sessions. A close cooperation with the climate initiatives SME Climate Hub, Exponential Roadmap Initiative and STICA offers further support material and easy-entry options to make public climate commitments and progress their climate transition work.
“SOG members took a bold decision to launch the Climate Commitment initiative in 2022, as first movers in the European outdoor industry. We acknowledge the challenges the many small- and medium sized members face but also see the membership resolve to take responsibility. Now, to reach our targets of a united front for climate action, we need strong leadership and an action-oriented approach from all members and the wider outdoor industry. The climate transition is not only possible, but also necessary!” says Joel Svedlund, Sustainability Coordinator at Peak 63 and SOG.