Navigating a Greener Future: Helly Hansen’s Commitment to Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

In an era increasingly defined by environmental consciousness and the urgent need for sustainable practices, the outdoor apparel industry faces a critical imperative: to protect the planet as much as it protects people. For Helly Hansen, a brand intrinsically linked to the elements and dependent on a healthy natural world, this commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is not merely a corporate trend; it’s a profound responsibility and a logical extension of its core values. From its Nordic roots, which instill a deep respect for nature, to its position as a global leader in outdoor gear, Helly Hansen is actively navigating a greener future, working to reduce its ecological footprint across its entire value chain and inspire a more responsible relationship with the outdoors. The inherent paradox of outdoor gear manufacturing is that while it enables people to enjoy nature, its production often consumes resources and generates waste. Helly Hansen recognizes this challenge and has taken a multi-faceted approach to integrate sustainability into its operations. This isn’t just about a single green initiative; it’s a systemic shift encompassing product design, material sourcing, manufacturing processes, packaging, and end-of-life considerations. One of the most significant areas of focus for Helly Hansen is sustainable material sourcing. The brand is increasingly prioritizing materials that have a lower environmental impact. This includes: Recycled Content: A growing number of Helly Hansen garments now incorporate recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic bottles and other sources. This reduces reliance on virgin fossil fuels and diverts waste from landfills and oceans. For instance, the “Ocean Bound” collection is a powerful example, utilizing materials made from plastic waste collected from coastal areas, directly addressing marine pollution while creating high-performance fabrics. Bluesign® Certified Fabrics: Helly Hansen partners with Bluesign® certified fabric suppliers. The Bluesign® system is a holistic approach to sustainable textile production, ensuring that fabrics are produced with minimal impact on people and the environment. This means optimizing resource use, ensuring worker safety, and eliminating harmful substances from the manufacturing process. Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified Down: For its insulated garments, Helly Hansen commits to using down that is certified by the Responsible Down Standard. RDS ensures that down and feathers come from ducks and geese that have been treated humanely, preventing practices like force-feeding or live-plucking. PFC-Free Durable Water Repellent (DWR): Traditional DWR treatments often contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFCs), which are persistent environmental pollutants. Helly Hansen is actively transitioning to PFC-free DWR technologies across its product lines, working to maintain high levels of water repellency while eliminating these harmful chemicals from its supply chain. This move is a critical step in reducing the environmental impact of waterproof garments. Beyond materials, Helly Hansen is dedicated to optimizing its manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact. This involves: Resource Efficiency: Striving to minimize energy consumption and water usage in factories. This includes implementing more efficient machinery and processes. Waste Reduction: Focusing on reducing textile waste during cutting and production, exploring ways to reuse or recycle fabric scraps, and minimizing packaging materials. Chemical Management: Working with suppliers to ensure responsible chemical management throughout the dyeing and finishing processes, adhering to strict environmental regulations and standards. The concept of product longevity is also central to Helly Hansen’s sustainability strategy. The most sustainable garment is often the one that lasts the longest. By designing and building highly durable products, Helly Hansen directly contributes to reducing consumption and waste. Their commitment to quality and ruggedness, inherited from their workwear roots, means their garments are built to endure years of use in harsh conditions. This focus on durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, lessening the overall environmental burden associated with production. Furthermore, the brand supports product repair and offers advice on proper care, encouraging consumers to extend the life of their gear. Helly Hansen’s environmental efforts extend to its supply chain and logistics. The brand is working to map its supply chain more thoroughly to identify areas for improvement, from raw material extraction to final product delivery. This includes exploring more efficient shipping methods, reducing air freight where possible, and working with suppliers who share their commitment to environmental responsibility. Transparency in the supply chain is becoming increasingly important, allowing consumers to understand the journey of their products and the efforts being made to minimize their environmental footprint. Furthermore, Helly Hansen uses its platform to educate and inspire greater environmental awareness among its consumers and partners. Through its marketing, social media, and collaborations, the brand promotes responsible outdoor recreation, highlighting the importance of protecting natural environments. This includes supporting initiatives like “Leave No Trace” principles and advocating for the preservation of wild spaces. By fostering a deeper appreciation for nature, Helly Hansen encourages its community to become active stewards of the environment. The brand’s professional partnerships also play a role in its sustainability journey. Working with organizations like The Ocean Race, Helly Hansen is exposed to cutting-edge research on marine plastic pollution and the impacts of climate change on ocean environments. This direct connection to environmental issues faced by professional sailors and scientists informs their product development and strategic environmental goals. Similarly, insights from ski patrols and mountain guides about changing snow conditions and glacial melt underscore the urgency of climate action. Looking ahead, Helly Hansen is actively exploring further innovations in circularity. This involves researching methods for textile-to-textile recycling at the end of a garment’s life, moving towards a closed-loop system where old garments can be transformed into new ones. While fully scalable solutions for complex technical apparel are still emerging, Helly Hansen is committed to investing in research and development to make this a reality, envisioning a future where their products can be perpetually reused and recycled, drastically reducing their environmental impact.