With partners, Rab have identified opportunities to develop materials that reduce their environmental impact whilst maintaining performance. Using more recycled fabrics and challenging manufacturing processes are two of the radical steps they took reduce their carbon footprint and in 2020 became a certified Carbon Neutral company. We take a closer look at what they’re doing and how…
Aeon 20
Phasing out PFAS
For over 10 years, Rab have been proactively phasing out fluorocarbons (PFAS) whilst pushing for greater honesty regarding PFAS use.
Over several seasons now, they have been transitioning to PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR) treatments. But what is often overlooked is that PFAS can also be used in waterproof membranes, zips, and trims. Rab want to tell the whole story. That’s why we talk about PFAS-free components, not just PFAS-free DWRs.
There are times when natural materials such as animal by-products offer performance, weight, or insulation benefits that exceed their synthetic alternatives.
Animal by-products
All animal by-products are sourced from partners with strict adherence to animal welfare standards.
All leather is a by-product from animals bred for meat production. And suppliers must be certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG).
All wool comes from farms or suppliers that are certified as mulesing-free.
Rab only use animal products for technical and performance reasons, never for an aesthetic purpose.
They will not accept exotic skins or skins from wild animals and never use real fur.
Rab stopped sourcing silk in 2021.
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) independently certifies down and feathers against animal welfare requirements and tracks it from farm to final product.
While down products have revolutionised the way we dress for outdoor activities, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that the raw material is farmed from animals on a large scale. As the popularity of down garments grows, Rab has an increased responsibility to ensure that our insulation is produced in environments where animal welfare standards are being maintained.
That’s why all down sourced from farms into their supply chain is Responsible Down Standard certified, certified by Control Union CU839597. The RDS independently certifies down against animal welfare requirements and tracks it from the source to the final product. The purchase of Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified products demonstrates demand for better animal welfare practices in the down and feather supply chain.
Understanding Microfibres
Tiny fibres released from natural and synthetic textiles throughout the product lifecycle are widely referred to as microfibres, microplastics, or fibre fragments.
Microfibres are not new, but awareness and evidence-based research is growing.
Microfibres have the potential to harm the environment, wildlife and people through their presence in ecosystems from marine and freshwater environments to air and soil. All types of fibres have a tendency to shed, and understanding the full impacts of their source, presence and impact is a growing area of research.
The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) 2030 Commitment.
By signing The Microfibre 2030 Commitment, Rab has committed to put the research and understanding of fibre fragmentation on our agenda and contribute towards the development of knowledge and the identification of solutions.
They share test results from all new base and mid-layer fabrics with The Microfibre Consortium, to contribute to a greater understanding of fibre fragmentation.
Cotton
Cotton is a low-use fabric for Rab. It is primarily used in our tees. 100% of the cotton used in Rab tees is certified organic and all of their organic cotton is GMO-free.
