The data toolkit is an extension of the Material Facts Collective methodology, originally developed by British outdoor brand Rab.
It includes contributions from several brands and retailers in the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada. Among the public brands involved are Exped, Go Outdoors, Oberalp Group, Rab, Red Equipment, and Tiso.
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Equip Outdoor Technologies’ subsidiary Rab first launched the Material Facts methodology in October 2023. It provides a framework for sharing standardised and transparent product data with consumers and retailers, aiding in informed sourcing and purchasing decisions in line with forthcoming ESG regulations.
Material Facts delivers point-of-sale sustainability information to consumers, covering aspects such as recycled content percentage, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) status, and production location. Plans to expand the criteria are underway, which may encompass material types, certifications, origins, repairability, and longevity.
The Collective emerged in September 2024 following Rab’s lead and with backing from the European Outdoor Group. It aims to unify product sustainability data from across the industry.
Members of The Collective have refined and field-tested the methodology across both apparel and equipment sectors to create a scalable solution adaptable to new categories and data points.
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By GlobalDataThe new toolkit includes a methodology document that outlines procedures, calculations, and underlying assumptions; a calculations template to assists brands in verifying their calculations when applying the methodology.
Additionally, it has a new criteria that describes potential future enhancements to the criteria set; communications guidelines to establish how brands should present Material facts data and a business case to aid in gaining organisational support and resources.
Tiso Group CSR manager Joanna O’Flynn said: “A simple data table, in a standard format, with a clear and transparent tested methodology, is becoming vital. We can share this data with our consumers and reassure ourselves that we are working with brands that take the challenge of communicating sustainability metrics seriously. Playing an active role in the working group has allowed me to present the needs of a retailer firsthand as we have shaped the communication, methodology, and outputs of the Material Facts Collective.”
Following the completion of the initial phase of Material Facts Collective, the working group will reconvene later in the year to enhance the methodology based on feedback from participating brands.
The Collective invites interested parties to join or learn more about the second phase of The Material Facts Collective or seeking details on the methodology and toolkit are encouraged to contact designated representatives.
Equip Outdoor Technologies CEO Richard Leedham said: “When launching Material Facts back in 2023 as a market-first, we knew that we did not want to keep it to ourselves but share it with the industry. Together, as a network of leading brands, we can efficiently develop sustainability data in a clear and transparent way, that drives efficiencies, meets consumer and retailer needs, and prepares us all for the upcoming legislation. The Collective has provided this methodology and the tools to succeed. We now need the industry to take this to the next level and move it forward.”
