The outdoor brand Bergans of Norway has announced the launch of Expedition 2020, an incentive to enhance the company’s environmental and social responsibility.
Based in Norway, Bergans has always positioned environmental awareness at the forefront of their business since its founding in 1908–however–Expedition 2020 is increasing the conditions for using environmentally friendly chemicals and materials. The goal for completion is the year 2020.
“At Bergans we are passionate about providing people with great outdoor experiences. It goes without saying, that we do whatever we can to ensure that future generations can enjoy nature to the same extent as we do today,” said Bergans Sustainability Manager, Felix Ockborn.
The motto of Expedition 2020 is, “what we love, we will protect.”
Fulfilling this motto requires lofty goals, and Bergans is more than prepared to accomplish them. Two of the company’s primary goals are to have 75 percent of their products to be bluesign approved and for 70 percent of products to be made of more environmentally friendly and sustainable raw materials.
An example of Expedition 2020’s environmental efforts is the Eidfjord Jacket. It is a technical waterproof jacket that is made up of 30 percent plant material. The plant material was derived from both Bergans and the company Toray, and is known as Ecodear. It is partially made from molasses and helps reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the amount of petroleum based materials used in production.
“Bergans’ priority is clean and ethically sound production. A milestone in 2016 is that all down products will be manufactured in accordance with the Textile Exchange’s Responsible Down Standard. This means that a third party will verify that down production, from farm to Bergans end products, adhere to specific ethical standards,” said Ockborn.
Expedition 2020’s other goals include less than 2 percent of all shipments will be via airfreight, all packaging will be composed of sustainable sources, annual sustainable training will be required for Bergans staff and all buildings will be powered by renewable energy.
Instead of shipping via airfreight, Ockborn addresses how Bergans will use alternative transportation. He believes that with the right planning, new train routes between Asia and the Norweigan and German distribution centers can leave less environmental impact. Ockborn also said that transportation is an area of focus within Expedition 2020 that can be influenced immediately.
As for renewable energy, the buildings in Norway will be powered by hydropower, which is Norway’s number one energy supply. The buildings in Germany aim to powered by a mix of solar, wind and hydropower.
“At Bergans, we have never been afraid to embark on tough expeditions. By being innovative, adaptive and focused, we will reach these goals,” said Ockborn.
Bergans has been a leader in outdoor gear since Sir Edmund Hillary pioneered Everest with a Bergans carrying frame to transport oxygen, and the company continues to be innovative today. Expedition 2020 sets an example not only for the outdoor industry, but for companies everywhere.
For more information on Expedition 2020 visit Bergans’ website at: https://bergans.eu/csr
