People / Product / Planet ™
Our company philosophy is based on a three-fold responsibility.
People: To create fair human working conditions, to support social initiatives and to foster a multi-cultural company philosophy
Product: To produce the best outdoor equipment which meets the expectations of mountain professionals and enthusiasts
Planet: To produce environmental friendly products and foster a global ecological awareness
True to its principles, Marmot has now been producing high-quality technical clothing and equipment for mountaineers, outdoor enthusiasts and extreme alpinists since 1974. As a value-based company, Marmot is committed to a sensitive and sustainable approach towards all its stakeholders, employees, consumers, partners and public alike.
Ecological sustainability
Our environmental protection policy is based on a measured and consistent approach to achieving greater sustainability. Our collections include more and more products that are made from recycled polyester, organic cotton and other environmentally friendly materials. Our choice concerning the use of such materials is based on the following premise: If we can achieve the same level or a better level of product performance using sustainable fabrics, we will use them.
All Marmot products that contain recycled polyester are labelled UpCycle®, UpCycle®, because these products have been produced by turning a comparatively low-quality raw material, such as a plastic bottle, into a high-performance item of clothing – i.e. a fleece.
Our use of Cocona® – which is a residue created during water filter manufacture that is chemically combined into polyester yarn and controls odour, regulates moisture, dries extremely quickly and provides UV protection – is another one of our efforts to use sustainable and ecologically sound materials wherever possible.
Furthermore, Marmot uses environmental friendly materials throughout its in-house processes, such as environmental friendly printing paper.
Furthermore, Marmot is member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA). The European Outdoor Conservation Association is an initiative from the European outdoor industry with the objective of protecting the wild areas it cares so passionately about. Taking responsibility for our planet through conservation and acting responsibly in the outdoors is an incredibly important part of our ethos. Being part of an organisation within the industry that takes this responsibility seriously and can directly funding to specific conservation projects is directly influenced by this ethos.
Marmot Down Policy
As part of our policy for the humane treatmet of animals, Marmot does not support the use of Down from live pluck or Foie Gras. Every year we require our suppliers to certify that they are in compliance with our Animal Rights Policies.
Social Sustainability
Marmot’s social engagement complements its ecologic engagement. Fair trade, compliance with a code of conduct (marmot.com/code_of_ethics) and the support of regional projects are part of the company concept. Marmot has confirmed its commitment to the principles of Integrity, respect for the individual, sustainability, performance excellence and accountability.
Marmot holds all of its vendors and partners to the same high standards. The Vendor Compliance Policy (marmot.com/vendor_compliance_policy) obliges all of Marmot’s partners to respect internationally accepted standards of conduct. Among those are the payment of at least the minimum wage required by law, the limitation of overtime, the freedom of association, the prohibition of child labour and forced labour, the application of the non-discrimination principle as well as the promotion of health and safety at work.
Marmot takes the Vendor Compliance Policy seriously, its application is monitored regularly. It is Marmot’s firm intention that its vendor partners abide by these standards and ensure they understand Marmot’s intention to suspend business with those who violate this Vendor Compliance Policy. Marmot has been working for more than five years with 95 per cent of its partners, and this had resulted in a firm mutual trust and respect for each other.
On a regular basis, Marmot conducts audits among its vendors and partners in order to assure compliance with the Vendor Compliance Policy and promotes good practices. This process is evaluated constantly.
Furthermore, Marmot has been supporting social initiatives which have set out to change the world for a better future. Our social initiatives include the dZi Foundation, the Cancer Climber Association, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Chicks with Picks, SOS Kinderdörfer, terre des homes and many others.
