Sustainable by Design
Last synced: 2026-01-14
Source: cotopaxi.com
Human Sustainability
To prioritize sustainability for both people and planet, we strive to build gear that lasts, partner with factories aiming to respect and advance worker rights, and reduce our environmental impact. We’re also transparent about the work we still have to do, and about how we address the challenges we encounter.
- Deadstock
- Recycled
- Responsible
Deadstock
Deadstock is leftover high-quality fabric unused by the original manufacturer or retailer. On average, a product made with deadstock has an estimated 30% smaller carbon footprint than if it were made with new fabric. We use deadstock in our Del Día and Teca Collections.
Recycled
When we prioritize recycled materials rather than new (or virgin) materials in our designs, we limit our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce landfill usage. Our Teca Cálido Jackets, several of our fleece, our Cada Día bags, our Capa jackets, and our activewear all contain recycled materials.
Responsible
We define “responsible” as a material, supplier, or product with a third-party sustainability designation, like Fair Trade Certified™ or bluesign approved. We use cruelty-free Responsible Down Standard-certified insulation in all our down jackets, and most of our logowear and hats are made in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility.
Our Net Zero Commitment
To do our part to mitigate our impact on climate change, we maintain a carbon intensity score of <1% of our net revenue, indicating that our business model causes minimal harm to the environment. We aim to maintain this score throughout our growth. To reduce our carbon footprint, our Science Based Target initiative goals are: 1) Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 42% below 2022 levels by 2030; 2) Reduce absolute scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions 90% below 2022 levels by 2045.
Ethical Sourcing
We’re proud to partner with factories that agree to rigorous codes of conduct, promote fair labor practices, and commit to the following:
Following the UN Global Compact and Principles of Responsible Business
Conducting annual audits and anonymous supplier surveys
Adopting the principles of Ethical Trading Initiative’s Better Buying Guide
Working with more Fair Trade Certified™ partners to better the lives of workers, and support the communities where suppliers are based
Implementing a standard Supplier Code of Conduct
Support Our Mission
Want to help us make the world a better place through sustainably minded gear?
Our PFAS Commitment
By 2025, we are working toward eliminating all intentionally added PFAS from Cotopaxi’s new products. While there’s not yet an industry-wide standard to follow, we are fully committed to addressing PFAS to achieve our mission of creating responsibly made outdoor gear.
Our Next Steps
Since Spring 2024, 100% of our new apparel and packs (excluding Del Día) are free from intentionally added PFAS. And almost all new Del Día products—which are more complex to address since they use deadstock fabric—will be made free from intentionally added PFAS by Fall 2024. We are diligently working to test and document our deadstock sources to achieve this goal.
We have also introduced independent secondary testing of trims and materials to ensure no intentionally added PFAS enter our product collections. As we develop more water-repellant products, we’re collaborating with mills, testing labs, and other organizations to achieve product performance without added PFAS.
Compliance Documents
- 2024 Impact Report
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Our Material and Salient Topics
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Human Rights Policy
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Cotopaxi’s 2024-2025 Suppliers
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Our Supplier Code of Conduct
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Our Restricted Substance List
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Our Animal Welfare Policy
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Environmental Sustainability Policy
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Prop 65
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SBTI Reduction Plan 2023
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