Top 7 Sustainable outdoor brands Using Recyclable Packaging

The outdoor industry is shifting toward recyclable packaging as eco-conscious consumers demand sustainable solutions.

Seven sustainable outdoor brands – Vaude, NEMO, Coleman, RIO, Icebreaker, Kathmandu, and PrAna – are taking significant steps to reduce waste and promote material reuse.

Here’s how they stand out:

• Vaude: Uses recycled materials like polyester and PVC-free components, backed by Green Shape certification.
• NEMO: 100% recycled paper/cardboard, cutting packaging waste by 75%, and offering clear recycling instructions.
• Coleman: Focuses on biodegradable molded fiber packaging and reducing material usage.
• RIO: Partners with EnviroPAK for recyclable, biodegradable molded fiber trays, reducing waste by 50%.
• Icebreaker: Prioritizes recycled paper and cardboard, integrating natural fibers like merino wool.
• Kathmandu: Aim for 100% recyclable packaging by 2025, reducing packaging waste by 30% since 2019.
• PrAna: Runs take-back programs, uses recycled paper, and designs packaging for minimal waste.

Quick Comparison

These brands are leading the way in combining practical, recyclable designs with eco-friendly materials. Read on to explore their strategies in detail.

What Are The Top Sustainable Outdoor brands?

1. Vaude‘s Packaging Efforts

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Vaude has made a name for itself in the outdoor industry through its focus on recyclable packaging and eco-conscious solutions. By prioritizing materials that can be recycled, the brand aligns with efforts to cut down on landfill waste.

A great example of this is the VAUDE Recycle Back Single 23+7, which is crafted entirely from recycled materials. It features soft handles made from recycled polyester and a drawstring closure using repurposed components [5].

These PVC-free bags highlight Vaude’s commitment to reducing harmful substances in their packaging designs.

The company also uses Eco Finish, a water-repellent treatment that supports its sustainability goals [5]. Additionally, Vaude’s Green Shape certification backs up its use of sustainable materials, efficient production methods, and fair manufacturing practices.

As a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), Vaude ensures ethical working conditions while advancing its environmental goals [5]. This combination of eco-consciousness and ethical responsibility shows that packaging can be both sustainable and practical without sacrificing quality.

Vaude’s efforts align with broader trends in the industry, such as those promoted by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Their focus on fiber-based materials and environmentally friendly production methods reflects a growing shift in packaging standards [1]. Vaude’s dedication sets a strong example for others in the outdoor industry, including brands like NEMO.

2. NEMO’s Green Packaging Practices

NEMO Equipment stands out for its eco-conscious packaging, using 100% recycled paper and cardboard for its product packaging.

One example is their Dagger OSMO tent line, which not only uses packaging made from recycled yarns but also features PFC/PFAC-free water-repellency technology [3].

NEMO is also a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and follows the principles of the New Plastics Economy. These efforts reflect their commitment to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Over the past five years, the company has cut packaging waste by 75%. This impressive reduction is the result of several measures: energy-efficient machinery, sourcing materials locally, performing supply chain audits, and implementing strict waste management protocols.

Additionally, NEMO has partnered with Trove to resell gently used gear, further cutting down on waste and emissions [3].

Their packaging includes clear recycling instructions, making it easier for customers to dispose of materials responsibly.

NEMO demonstrates that it’s possible to combine environmental responsibility with practical packaging solutions. Their efforts set an example for other outdoor brands, encouraging them to embrace similar practices.

3. Coleman‘s Packaging Solutions

Coleman is rethinking its packaging to tackle environmental concerns by introducing biodegradable molded fiber and recyclable materials.

A standout change is the shift away from plastic packaging for larger equipment items [4].

Here’s what they’re focusing on:

• Cutting down packaging volume while keeping products well-protected.
• Incorporating recycled materials into their packaging.
• Making recycling easier with designs that simplify separation and disposal.
• Improving transport efficiency to reduce waste and costs.

Coleman is working with eco-conscious manufacturers to balance product safety with reducing environmental impact.

They also provide consumers with detailed recycling guides to help them correctly dispose of their new biodegradable packaging.

Their efforts include:

• Reducing the amount of material used.
• Adding more recycled content to packaging.
• Enhancing transport efficiency.
• Adding clear material identification codes for easy sorting.

Although specific results haven’t been shared, Coleman is aligning its packaging efforts with broader industry sustainability goals. These initiatives are part of the company’s larger commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

Coleman’s progress signals a shift toward greener solutions, potentially encouraging other brands, like RIO, to take similar steps.

4. RIO‘s Eco-Friendly Packaging

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RIO has teamed up with EnviroPAK to introduce packaging that’s fully recyclable and biodegradable. Using molded fiber materials, this packaging not only protects their products but also helps reduce waste.

It’s part of a growing trend in the outdoor industry to cut down on landfill contributions and encourage reusing materials.

One standout example is the redesign of RIO’s fishing plier packaging. By working with EnviroPAK, they developed molded fiber trays that pair seamlessly with paper-based packaging. This redesign showcases how RIO balances practical needs with a focus on reducing waste.

The company uses FSC-certified paper, biodegradable plastics, and molded fiber trays, which has led to a 50% reduction in waste and a 20% decrease in their carbon footprint.

They also follow EPA guidelines for recycled materials and meet European Green Dot standards, all while maintaining a zero-waste policy at their manufacturing sites.

RIO has set an ambitious goal: to achieve 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. They track their progress using measurable metrics to ensure their initiatives stay on course.

Their approach to sustainable packaging is setting an example for others in the industry, encouraging brands like Icebreaker to rethink their own strategies.

5. Icebreaker‘s Packaging Choices

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Icebreaker has developed its approach to eco-friendly packaging, prioritizing using biodegradable and recyclable materials.

They rely heavily on recycled paper and cardboard for their product packaging, aligning with their commitment to reducing environmental impact.

This packaging approach ties directly into Icebreaker’s broader mission of promoting natural and resource-efficient materials, such as merino wool. By focusing on recyclability and reusability, they encourage customers to take part in reducing waste.

Icebreaker’s strategy revolves around two main goals: choosing the right materials and cutting down on waste. They actively select options like recycled paper and biodegradable alternatives to plastic, aiming to shrink their environmental footprint.

The company collaborates with the New Zealand Merino Company to strengthen its sustainability efforts. This move reflects a growing industry shift toward greener packaging solutions, which groups like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and the Pack4Good initiative have been advocating.

To make these efforts practical, Icebreaker designs its packaging to be easy for customers to recycle or even repurpose creatively.

This dual-purpose design reduces waste and invites consumers to participate in the process.

While they are still working on measurable results, Icebreaker’s dedication to sustainability is clear. Their use of natural fibers and eco-conscious packaging shows how brands can protect their products while being mindful of the planet.

Their efforts also set an example for other brands, such as Kathmandu, which are looking into similar sustainable packaging solutions.

6. Kathmandu‘s Packaging Initiatives

Kathmandu is setting the bar high in packaging with a clear goal: 100% recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable packaging by 2025 [2].

The brand uses FSC-certified recycled paper and cardboard, ensuring materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Since 2019, they’ve managed to cut 30% of their packaging waste [2], thanks to life cycle assessments that refine their packaging processes.

As part of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Kathmandu uses the Higg Index to measure and improve its environmental performance [2].

Some of their key efforts include:

• Working with suppliers committed to eco-friendly practices
• Introducing biodegradable packaging for clothing and gear
• Creating reusable gear bags from recycled materials

Kathmandu also takes an active role in educating consumers through digital platforms, encouraging eco-conscious choices. This focus on awareness, combined with measurable progress, positions them as a leader in the outdoor industry’s move toward circular economy practices.

Their approach shows that packaging can be both environmentally responsible and practical – an idea shared by brands like PrAna.

7. PrAna‘s Packaging Approach

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PrAna has taken thoughtful steps in packaging to cut waste and make recycling easier, reflecting its broader commitment to the environment.

As part of the 1% for the Planet initiative, they donate 1% of their sales to environmental organizations while actively working on eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Their strategy focuses on using recycled materials, designing packaging that reduces waste, and running take-back programs to keep materials in use instead of being thrown away.

For example, they rely on recycled paper and cardboard, which lowers the need for new raw materials without sacrificing functionality.

PrAna also follows strict environmental certifications to ensure its packaging meets high standards.

Beyond just recyclability, their efforts include:

• Running take-back programs to keep the packaging in circulation.
• Creating packaging designs that reduce unnecessary material.
• Using biodegradable materials to cut down on landfill waste.
• Streamlining designs to use fewer resources.

To stay accountable, PrAna tracks metrics like how much-recycled material they use, how much waste they prevent, and how effective their programs are. They’re also researching new materials that are biodegradable or recyclable, aiming to balance practicality with eco-consciousness.

This approach shows how a brand can combine environmental care with smart, practical solutions, serving as an example for others in the industry.

Comparison Table of Packaging Practices

The table below outlines how various brands are working on eco-friendly packaging, focusing on materials, recyclability, and sustainability programs.

This table showcases the varied approaches brands are taking to improve their packaging. For example, NEMO Equipment stands out with its complete reliance on recycled yarns and a strong emissions reduction target [3].

Some brands emphasize specific materials, like biodegradable or recycled components, while others prioritize broader initiatives such as labor certifications or sourcing programs. These efforts demonstrate how the outdoor industry is balancing sustainability with the need for durable, protective packaging.

Summary and Final Thoughts

The seven brands discussed are setting the bar high by combining practical design with environmentally friendly packaging, achieving recycling rates between 85% and 100% for various materials.

These advancements highlight how the outdoor industry is evolving toward greener practices.

A standout example is NEMO Equipment, which pairs sustainable packaging with broader goals like cutting emissions by 50% by 2030 [3].

The industry’s progress goes beyond just swapping materials – it’s about creating sustainability strategies that cover everything from sourcing to disposal. This shift is especially important as the outdoor industry is expected to grow by 5.98% through 2028 [4].

Certifications such as Green Shape and emerging ideas like fiber and seaweed-based packaging are making it easier for consumers to choose eco-friendly options while pushing the industry toward better solutions [5] [1]. These advancements simplify the process of making informed, environmentally conscious purchases.

Here’s how consumers can contribute to these efforts:

• Look for certification labels: Certifications like Green Shape can guide you toward more sustainable options.
• Join recycling programs: Many brands offer recycling initiatives that you can participate in.
• Support transparency: Choose companies that openly share their sustainability practices.

The work of these brands reflects a broader industry push toward sustainability, with packaging playing a leading role. As they continue to improve, they’re not just setting new benchmarks – they’re paving the way for a more eco-aware future in the outdoor world.