Is Outerknown a Sustainable Brand?
Introduction to Outerknown
Outerknown is a fashion brand founded in 2015 by professional surfer Kelly Slater and designer John Moore. The brand is dedicated to sustainability and ethical manufacturing, offering a range of clothing that combines style with environmental and social responsibility.
Pros and Cons of Outerknown
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Use of eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fibers | ❌ Higher price points compared to fast fashion |
| ✅ Commitment to fair labor practices and fair trade | ❌ Limited transparency on specific environmental metrics like water usage |
| ✅ Focus on reducing textile waste and circular fashion | ❌ Some use of animal-derived materials like wool |
| ✅ Transparency in supply chain practices | ❌ Still working on comprehensive science-based targets for emissions |
Sustainability and Ethical Practices at Outerknown
Use of Sustainable Materials
Outerknown prioritizes the use of sustainable materials, including GOTS-certified organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fibers. By focusing on these materials, the brand significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional textile production. For example, their products often include recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic bottles, reducing waste and the need for virgin materials.
Ethical Manufacturing Practices
The brand is committed to ethical manufacturing, ensuring fair labor practices through partnerships with Fair Trade Certified factories. These factories adhere to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards, which include fair wages and safe working conditions. Outerknown’s compliance program is accredited by the Fair Labor Association, reinforcing its commitment to upholding fair labor practices across its supply chain.
Commitment to Innovation and Design
Outerknown emphasizes innovative, durable design, aiming to create long-lasting products that reduce the need for frequent replacements. The brand also promotes circular fashion through initiatives like Outerworn, a platform for buying and selling pre-loved Outerknown garments. This initiative helps keep clothing out of landfills and extends the life of each piece.
Focus on Transparency and Sustainability
Outerknown is transparent about its sustainability efforts, providing detailed information about its supply chain and the materials used in its products. The brand is also Climate Neutral certified, offsetting its carbon emissions through various environmental projects. However, there is room for improvement in measuring and reporting specific environmental metrics, such as water usage and waste across the supply chain.
Final Thoughts: Is Outerknown Sustainable?
Outerknown demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through its use of eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and innovative approaches to reducing waste. While the brand has areas for improvement, such as expanding transparency on specific environmental metrics and further developing comprehensive emissions targets, its overall efforts make it a commendable choice for consumers seeking sustainable and ethically produced fashion.
FAQs
Q: Is Outerknown considered a sustainable brand?
A: Yes, Outerknown is considered sustainable due to its use of eco-friendly materials, fair labor practices, and commitment to transparency and circular fashion.
Q: What materials does Outerknown use in its products?
A: Outerknown uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester, and other sustainable materials.
Q: How does Outerknown address ethical concerns?
A: The brand partners with Fair Trade Certified factories and adheres to the Fair Labor Association’s standards, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions throughout its supply chain.
Q: Are Outerknown’s products more expensive?
A: Yes, the use of high-quality, sustainable materials and ethical production methods typically results in higher price points compared to fast fashion brands.
Q: Where can I buy Outerknown products?
A: Outerknown products are available through their official website and selected online retailers.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Outerknown website and explore their sustainability practices and product offerings.