Rab's sustainability
We expect the brands we choose in our collection to meet our sustainability criteria. Our criteria consist of actions that take the environment, social conditions and climate into consideration. Here’s how Rab meets our criteria:
Environment:
Brand uses environmentally preferred raw materials for more than 50% of its volume.
- Rab uses environmentally preferred raw materials for more than 50% of its volume. They prioritize sustainable materials, including recycled fabrics and insulation, responsibly sourced down, and organic cotton, reflecting their commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability in their products.
Brand reports what percentage of its consumer packaging materials are renewable or made from recycled materials, and the brand implements concrete policies which have reduced the environmental impact of their packaging materials
- Rab use 100% recycled cardboard for their packaging and have eliminated plastic from their retail packaging. Also, Rab is committed to continuous improvement in packaging sustainability, reflecting their dedication to reducing their environmental footprint.
Brand encourages the longevity of products by offering a lifetime guarantee, repair services or supporting the return or re-use of garments
- Rab encourages the longevity of its products through the Rab Promise. They provide repair services and support the return or re-use of garments, ensuring their quality hard-wearing gear won’t let you down in the mountains, while also reducing environmental impact.
Brand supports environmental NGO's or other organizations to promote environmental sustainability
- Rab collaborate with entities such as Protect Our Winters UK and the European Outdoor Conservation Association, demonstrating their commitment to preserving natural environments and promoting sustainable practices.
Rab is continuously working towards enhancing its sustainability practices. While they have not yet reported on the implementation of their environmental policy related to the ‘wet processes’ within the production cycle, like bleaching and dyeing of raw materials, they are actively exploring ways to improve transparency and environmental responsibility in these areas. Additionally, Rab is committed to reducing the use of harmful chemicals in their production processes. Although they have not yet eliminated at least three suspect chemical groups such as Phthalates or Perfluorinated chemicals, they are dedicated to ongoing research and development to achieve this goal and ensure safer products for both consumers and the environment.
Social conditions:
Fair social conditions are audited by third parties (For operations outside EU)
- Rab ensures fair social conditions through third-party audits for their operations outside the EU. They work closely with their partners, who undergo regular assessments and audits by organizations such as the Fair Wear Foundation, ensuring ethical labor practices and safe working conditions throughout their supply chain.
Origin of the materials, design and the manufacturing is shared openly
- Rab openly shares the origin of their materials, design, and manufacturing processes. They provide detailed information about the sourcing and sustainability of their materials, including responsibly sourced down, recycled fabrics, and ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring transparency and accountability in their production processes.
Brand is following buying practices that enable living wages and good labour conditions, such as long-term relations with factories, and concentrating production at a limited number of factories
- Rab follows buying practices that enable living wages and good labor conditions. They maintain long-term relationships with their factories and concentrate production at a limited number of facilities. This approach ensures better oversight and promotes fair working conditions and wages for their workers, reflecting their commitment to ethical manufacturing practices.
Brand supports social NGO's or other organizations to promote social sustainability
- Rab collaborate with entities like Fair Wear Foundation, actively engaging in initiatives and programs aimed at improving labor conditions and worker well-being within the apparel industry. Through these partnerships, Rab demonstrates its commitment to driving positive social change and fostering a more sustainable future for workers worldwide.
While Rab is continuously improving its sustainability practices, there are areas where they are still advancing. They are working towards increasing manufacturing in 'low-risk' countries to ensure fair labor practices. Additionally, Rab is developing an open list of direct suppliers to enhance transparency in their supply chain. While they have not yet publicly committed to a living wage benchmark, Rab is actively exploring ways to ensure fair compensation for workers.
Climate:
Has the brand disclosed the annual absolute climate footprint of its 'own operations', and has it accomplished an overall absolute climate footprint reduction compared to the result of the previous reporting year?
- Rab has disclosed the annual absolute climate footprint of its 'own operations' and has accomplished an overall absolute climate footprint reduction compared to the result of the previous reporting year. This demonstrates their commitment to transparency and sustainability in their operations.
Is at least 50% of the electricity used by the brand generated from renewable resources, such as wind or solar energy?
Rab's history, values and sustainability
Rab has a rich history rooted in quality craftsmanship and a commitment to outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. With a legacy spanning decades, the brand has established itself as a leader in performance apparel, trusted by adventurers in some of the world's most challenging environments.
At the core of Rab's ethos are its values of innovation, integrity, and respect for the planet. From the outset, Rab has prioritized sustainability, recognizing the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations. Their journey towards sustainability is reflected in their dedication to transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental responsibility.
Rab's commitment to sustainability extends beyond words to concrete actions. They have implemented initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint, such as sourcing renewable energy and disclosing their climate footprint. Additionally, Rab prioritizes ethical labor practices and supports social initiatives to promote worker well-being and community development.
Experience the legacy of Rab, where quality, values, and sustainability converge to create performance apparel that not only stands the test of time but also embodies a commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Rab, it’s factories or fabrics have also met the criteria for these certifications:
- Fair Wear Foundation (FWF): Ensures fair labor practices and safe working conditions throughout the supply chain.
- Bluesign®: Guarantees that fabrics and materials meet stringent environmental and consumer safety standards.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Certifies organic fibers and ensures environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing processes.
- Responsible Down Standard (RDS): Ensures that down and feathers used in products come from ethically treated ducks and geese.
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Ensures that textiles are free from harmful substances and are safe for human use.