The German brand, Ortovox, places protection at the center of its values. Not only the protection offered by its products but also the protection of people, the environment, and animals. To further this preservation approach, you can also discover a wide range of environmentally friendly outdoor products offered on our site.

"There are various ways to promote sustainability in our company, with our suppliers, in our Tasmanian wool farms, or in the mountains. We consider each of our initiatives not as a one-time effort but as a sustainable endeavor that we pursue with conviction and commitment. We have already implemented the following steps and wish to continue them permanently."

Here is an overview of the different implications of the brand on eco-responsibility and sustainability:

EOCA: GLOBAL ACTION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Since summer 2016, ORTOVOX has been a member of the EOCA (European Outdoor Conservation Association) which works to protect the environment worldwide. This grouping of companies belonging to the European outdoor industry has been collecting donations since its creation in 2006 to support public utility projects. These are not limited by geographical borders: from the creation of an environmental trail in Nepal, to waste elimination projects in Kyrgyzstan, to the protection of the brown bear in Spain or the protection of peatlands in Ireland, EOCA supports projects around the world.

ORTOVOX WOOL PROMISE

ORTOVOX protects. As the first value of the brand, protection is at the heart of ORTOVOX's activities. Protection does not only refer to products that protect you from dangers or elements in the mountains, but also the protection of man and nature. In 2012, Ortovox discovered Tasmania as a sourcing location for merino wool. The brand works with carefully selected farms that meet its high-quality requirements and adhere to the strict standards of the ORTOVOX WOOL PROMISE (OWP). With the ORTOVOX WOOL PROMISE, ORTOVOX has launched its own standard, extremely demanding in terms of animal welfare and sustainable management. For over two years, ORTOVOX has engaged in discussions with Tasmanian merino farms, suppliers, and producers to develop its own particularly comprehensive standard for wool. Based on the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), the ORTOVOX WOOL PROMISE adopts an even more comprehensive approach.

The OWP focuses on:
Animal welfare, farm management, land management, slaughter, transport

Multi-year contracts are concluded with wool producers, the relationship is direct and personal. The OWP thus encompasses different aspects of sustainability, providing the necessary transparency to customers and the company itself. Our wool standard ensures that the sheep feel good and that only wool from selected farms is found in ORTOVOX products.

FAIR WEAR FOUNDATION: FOCUS ON WORKING CONDITIONS

Since July 2015, Ortovox has been a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). This is an independent non-profit organization that is jointly managed by professional associations, representatives of the textile industry, trade unions, and non-governmental organizations, which seek to improve working conditions in the textile industry worldwide.

It has defined the following labor guidelines, which must be implemented by ORTOVOX at its production sites:

  1. Free choice of work
  2. No discrimination in the workplace
  3. No exploitation of child labor
  4. Freedom of association and right to collective bargaining
  5. Payment of a living wage
  6. Reasonable working hours
  7. Safe and healthy working conditions
  8. Legal control of working conditions

The Fair Wear Foundation verifies the improvements made by its members with:

  • Annual performance verification at headquarters (questionnaire plus interviews plus document review)
  • Audits of production facilities
  • Possibility for workers in factories to complain.

It is based on a 3-year plan, which defines the following objectives:

  • After one year, 40% of production must come from audited sites or so-called 'low-risk' countries
  • After two years 60%
  • After three years, 90% or 100%


Currently, the production chain consists of 45 companies in 13 countries. 59.55% of all Ortovox textile products come from Europe. When choosing production sites, Ortovox uses the guidelines of the Fair Wear Foundation and decides to work only with companies that share our principles and moral values, and that are committed to respecting working conditions. The continuous improvement of working conditions is a constant and endless process.