The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Sustainability Working Group (SWG) will launch a pilot program May 16 to test drive the Equipment module of the Higg Index. The index is a new tool that can help companies gain insight into the supply chain for outdoor equipment (bicycles, skis, snowboards, backpacks, tents, camp stoves, water bottles, etc.) and how to make more sustainable products.
Equipment manufacturers are encouraged to participate in the pilot, which is designed to provide a testing ground for the tool and to gather feedback on how to make it better. Those interested in attending a free May 16 webinar to learn about the tool and participating in the pilot program need to email sustainability@outdoorindustry.org.
Companies that have contributed to the Equipment Index include Burton Snowboards, Cascade Designs, Leatherman, K2 Sports, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Petzl, REI, Specialized and SRAM. The index builds on Higg Index modules for Apparel and Footwear that have already been launched to the industry.
This is the culmination of many years of work and collaboration among dozens of outdoor industry companies, said Beth Jensen, director of corporate responsibility for OIA. This tool was developed by and for the industry in order to help companies closely examine their supply chains and identify tangible steps to improve the sustainability of their products. We hope a diverse array of companies will participate in the pilot.
