PROTACT2024 – ORTOVOX's Sustainable Development Strategy: Protecting What We Love

For ORTOVOX, protecting the environment and communities is essential to preserving the natural spaces we love so much. It is in this spirit that the brand has developed its sustainable development strategy, PROTACT2024. Based on its core values, this initiative aims to combine existing efforts and binding goals to be achieved by 2024. Here is an overview of the priority areas and objectives that ORTOVOX has set to promote a sustainable future.

1. Animal Welfare: 100% OWP Goal by 2024

At ORTOVOX, animal welfare is at the heart of its concerns. The brand uses 100% mulesing-free wool, and its merino wool farms are certified in accordance with the RWS (Responsible Wool Standard). However, ORTOVOX has taken an additional step by developing its own standard, the ORTOVOX WOOL PROMISE (OWP), which imposes even higher standards regarding animal welfare and sustainability.

ORTOVOX maintains close relationships with its partners and regularly organizes round tables to discuss challenges and find innovative solutions. This collaborative approach has earned ORTOVOX the title of "Mulesing Free Champion" awarded by the animal protection organization 4 PAWS. The brand is committed to being fully transparent in all processes of its supply chain.

2. Social Responsibility: Maintaining FWF Leader Status

For the fifth consecutive year, ORTOVOX has achieved leader status from the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), an independent organization that advocates for working conditions in the textile industry. The brand maintains long-standing relationships with its suppliers and ensures that they adhere to high social standards, regularly monitored by independent auditors.

ORTOVOX aims to maintain this status by continuously improving production planning and ensuring decent wages and a safe working environment. As a member of the Alliance for Sustainable Textiles (BÜNDNIS FÜR NACHHALTIGE TEXTILIEN), ORTOVOX strives to improve chemical and environmental management among all its producers.



3. Supply Chain: 60% Production in Europe

ORTOVOX has set a goal to produce at least 60% of its volumes in Europe by 2024. Currently, 49.33% of its products are manufactured in Europe. The brand also values the skills of its long-standing Asian partners, with whom it maintains trusting and close collaborative relationships.

4. Climate Protection: Climate Neutrality and Emission Reduction

Since the winter of 2022/2023, all ORTOVOX products are climate neutral. The brand works with ClimatePartner to measure, analyze, and minimize its carbon footprint. ORTOVOX aims to reduce its emissions by 42% by 2030, particularly by optimizing energy, water, and raw material consumption in its supply chain.

To offset unavoidable emissions, ORTOVOX supports climate protection projects, such as the development of wind energy in Asia.


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5. Environmental Protection: 100% PFC-Free

As a pioneer in safety, ORTOVOX is committed to using PFC-free (perfluorocarbons) materials in all its products starting summer 2023. PFCs, while very effective at repelling water and dirt, pose significant environmental risks. ORTOVOX has therefore worked with developers to find alternatives that meet its protection and functionality requirements.

6. Product Durability and Longevity

Since 1988, ORTOVOX has been synonymous with quality and durability. The brand develops repairable and durable products, thus promoting a long lifespan. Its 'Second Life' initiative emphasizes maintenance, reparability, and recycling of used products.

ORTOVOX offers tips and tricks to extend the lifespan of its products through the ProtACT Academy. Additionally, its 2ND-LIFE SHOP offers refurbished or repaired items, thereby extending their use.

Partnerships and Initiatives

ORTOVOX is proud to collaborate with various organizations to promote sustainable practices, including:

  • Fair Wear Foundation
  • Alliance for Sustainable Textiles
  • Climate Partner
  • European Outdoor Conservation Association

These partnerships reinforce ORTOVOX's commitment to protecting the environment and supporting fair working conditions in the textile industry.
Together, let’s protect what we love.
Discover without delay, ORTOVOX products: women's fleece, men's fleece, or even hiking backpacks.

And to learn more about Ortovox's eco-responsible involvement, read the following blog article: Ortovox achieves climate neutrality for its winter collection.