Sustainability Report 2023

Sustainability Report

A letter from Joanne Black

I am super proud to present our updated sustainability report. It’s very satisfying to share the latest updates about our new initiatives, ongoing initiatives, and the overall progress we have made since the last iteration of this report. Fundamentally, we believe in transparency and accountability, as you can see through the publication of this detailed document.

We understand completely that the nature of our business operations, in a consumer-driven and resource-scarce society, results in an impact on society. It is our intention to ensure the impact we have on society remains positive, and it is imperative that we showcase the efforts we are taking to play our role as good corporate citizens.

Truthfully, it has not been easy. With every choice we make, we know that there is always a more sustainable option. The trade-offs are countless, sometimes between sustainable choices and commercial choices, and other times between a societal benefit or an environmental benefit, not both. My ambitious and innovative team dedicate huge efforts to ensure that we can do the best that we can.

As a family business, our core values of honesty and respect are central to what we do, and have been doing for generations. Sustainability continues to be core to our organisation and everyone at Craghoppers knows that they have their part to play.

We appreciate that we aren’t perfect, and that there is always room for growth. Despite this, its important that we measure ourselves, and use this report to allow the industry to set benchmarks against others. By setting ambitious goals, our customers can rely on us to do our very best, to protect the Great Outdoors for everyone to enjoy, for generations to come.

Yours Sincerely,

Joanne Black

For any further questions please contact sustainability@craghoppers.com.

Mission Statement

Purpose

To inspire people to discover their world, exploring the outdoors responsibly.

Vision

To be a global leader in approachable, innovative & sustainable clothing for every environment and adventure.

Mission

To offer the best outdoor and adventure clothing that is always technical and always performs with as little impact on our planet as possible.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

As UNFCCC signatories, our strategy is in line with the Paris Agreement - reducing our impact by 1.5 degrees by 2050. Part of this is the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) report. Results from the full report for 2022 is now available but for 2023, we have widened our data field to include more international figures. We are proud to say that one of our Bangladesh factories is the first garment manufacturing unit to join the UNFCCC and make the pledge.

This report highlights how our sustainable Pillars align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), alongside our membership of UNFCCC.

UN Sustainable Development Goals Survey

We asked our stakeholders, “Which are the top 4 most important UN Sustainable Development Goals to you?” And this is what they said:

SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMMUNITIES

CLEAN WATER & SANITATION

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION

PEACE, JUSTICE & STRONG INSTITUTIONS LIFE ON LAND

&

CONSUMPTION PRODUCTION GOOD HEALTH & WELL BEING

DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTH CLIMATE ACTION ZERO HUNGER NO POVERTY

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

Material Factors to Craghoppers

Sustainability is about meeting our current needs without compromising resources for future generations. What role does Craghoppers play and what can we do to help reduce our negative impact?

We value our stakeholder’s input into our Sustainability journey and as part of our Report this year, we went out to over 600 of our business partners, customers, supply chain partners, industry peers, local community partners and colleagues to ask them what they think is important and where they believe we, as a brand, should focus our efforts. We are using this information to help develop a value-driven sustainability strategy.

Our stakeholders then rated the following areas from 1-6 (6 being of highest importance). We found that no response was less than 4.5, already showing a high level of commitment and interest from our stakeholders in these areas.

Between 5.29-5.55: (high scoring) Critical Importance

• Investment in sustainability e.g. research, practices, products, packaging

• Reducing waste both hazardous and none

• Employee wellbeing, health & safety

• Upholding environmental regulations and legislations

• Upholding supply chain standards, enforcing human rights and avoiding forced labour

• Quality and longevity

Between 4.98-5.14: (medium scoring) High Importance

• Employee development and diversity

• GHG emissions and environmental output

• Legal compliances/avoiding corruption

• Holding supply chain accountable

• Recycle, Reuse, Repair

• How we impact the communities we operate within

Between 4.72-4.9: (low scoring) Increasing Importance

• Craghoppers economic and market performance

• Circularity

• Animal rights

• Water and energy resource consumption

• Craghoppers people practices

• Ethical practices throughout supply chain

CRITICAL

• Quality and longevity

• Upholding supply chain standards, enforcing human rights and avoiding forced labour

• Upholding environmental regulations and legislations

• Employee wellbeing, health & safety

• Reducing waste both hazardous and none

• Investment in sustainability e.g. research, practices, products, packaging

HIGH

INCREASING

• How we impact the communities we operate within

• Recycle, Reuse, Repair

• Holding supply chain accountable

• Legal Compliances/avoiding corruption

• GHG emissions and environmental output

• Employee development and diversity

• Ethical practices throughout supply chain/factories

• Craghoppers People Practices

• Resource Consumption e.g. water/energy

• Animal Rights

• Circularity

• Craghoppers economic and market performance

Craghoppers Brand History

In the 1950’s, in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, the ambitious and intrepid Clarke Brothers came up with one of the first iconic outdoors products ever developed - the “Craghoppers” A breech, lovingly known as “breeks”, manufactured from the finest Derby tweed and worn for every outdoor pursuit of the era, from walking the hills to climbing the crags and even skiing back down.

In 1965, recognising the demand for outdoor kit, Craghoppers, a clothing business with a difference, was born.

Ahead of their time with fabric usage and tailoring, the breeches were an indispensable piece of kit. Worn by the icefall Sherpas on the lower slopes of Chris Bonington’s successful 1975 Mount Everest Expedition, they were the best for warmth and strength at the time.

The introduction of the Kiwi Classic trouser continued this legwear tradition through the 90s and became a staple in the hiking world. They remain a cult classic to this day.

In 2002 we pioneered insect-repellent technology and remain leaders in adventure travel clothing. Since then sustainability has been key. Not only were we one of the first outdoor brands to create a fabric from recycled bottles, but also materials from algae biomass and repurposed carbon emissions.

Over the years we have worked with partners from around the globe who share our love for the outdoors. We have supported The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK for over 10 years, collaborated with National Geographic and Dian Fossey, and developed a range of clothing with Bear Grylls.

Innovation is a benchmark of everything we do. Whether for a first-time micro-adventurer or a seasoned explorer, we have been at the forefront of helping and inspiring people to discover their world for over 70 years.

1950 | The first pair of Clarke’s Craghoppers breeches woven by fine British craftsmen

1965 | Craghoppers founded in Batley, in the hills of Yorkshire

1996 | The Mouflon, becomes part of our brand logo, adorning our new Kiwi Classic trouser

1973 | Cagjac, one of the world’s first modern waterproof jackets, developed

1975 | Breeches and Windsuits worn on two successful Everest Summit Expeditions

2002 | Pioneered a range of insect-repellent adventure clothing, Nosquito, which would later become NosiLife

2023 | Groundbreaking CO2Renu technology introduced turning carbon emissions into fabric

2015 | Corey and Miska microfleece developed using recycled bottles

Business Performance

Sales:

£38,353m

Net sales (for private sector organisations)

Net sales per the final audited consolidated group accounts for Craghoppers Limited were £38,353m

Net Assets :

£11,553m

Total capitalisation (for private sector organisations)

Per the final audited consolidated group accounts for Craghoppers Limited.

Products

Products are sold through Craghoppers own stores, concessions, retail partners and online platforms.

Total number of operations

Craghoppers Limited heads up a group of 3 subsidiaries and 1 UK Branch Office as per the attached group structure chart.

Headcount - August 2023

We currently only have data set on men and women due to a historic HR system. This will be moving to a new system which will allow for “other” and “prefer not to say” options.

The majority of our activities are performed by our own employees. The only exception would be in some non-UK markets where we use 3rd party Sales Representatives to build our customer database and drive sales in our wholesale business. They are either self-employed Commercial Agents paid on a commission basis, or Distributors with appropriate commercial agreements in place.

In the UK, we have a small number of contractors (less than 5) utilised for small periods of time throughout the year for temporary work such as freelance graphic design, events or new system projects. There may be some variation in the numbers reported due to certain roles. For example, retail traditionally attracts predominantly females. It has been found that many find the flexibility of the part time working patterns attractive. The headcount data has been gathered using our People database as of August 2023 and uses employing company information.

We have 7 UK stores and 1 global store.

Governance Structure

Board Level

The Board are regularly informed at their bimonthly meetings on sustainability progress and business endeavours, as board member, Joanne Black, is an owner of the business and responsible for buying and retail at Craghoppers. This ensures that buy in comes from top level.

CSR Committee

The Group’s CSR Committee is chaired by Joanne Black and meets twice a year. Members of the group include our COO, Orla Flynn, Buying Directors from each Brand, Julie Whiteley and Melissa Harvey and Senior Managers from across the business.

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee comprises of Managers from across the business, who meet on a quarterly basis to ensure a co-ordinated and effective approach to the delivery of the Sustainability business plan companywide. The Committee includes Managers from operational and facilities, Logistics, E-comms, People, Distribution, Brand Marketing, Product and Sourcing.

They are responsible for the day-to-day key climate-related impact areas for the Group e.g. buildings, sourcing, logistics. They will advise the CSR Committee of any issues. The Sustainability Committee is also responsible for preparing and managing information to ensure correct reporting on the Sustainability business plans KPI’s.

Project 5

Sustainability goals are built into every level of a colleague’s journey in the business – from initial job descriptions, personal development review goals and department objectives.

Project 5 started in 2020 with volunteers from Basecamp and Pioneer Point displaying a passion for sustainability and the environment. This has evolved in 2021 into an International group of colleagues. They meet monthly to discuss ways of being more sustainable and encourage others to be environmentally conscious too.

They follow a calendar of events that tie in with National events such as Earth Day, Global Recycling Day, World Vegan Month. They post informative and engaging content on the Intranet, organise events such as litter picking lunch times and promote healthy activities such as walking and biking challenges for colleagues to participate in. In 2022, the Project 5 team began to receive suggestions from the wider business, and in the October, they launched the Green Ideas Awards to celebrate those colleagues who contribute the most to the company’s sustainability strategies and personal sustainability goals. Simple ideas such as the move to electronic notes and feedback forms for our internal training courses, which with 25-40 participants per year has been a big saving to the business both financially and environmentally. The Green Ideas Awards have since become an annual event to incentivise staff efforts.

Significant developments and Changes

Sales Channels

Since 2022, we have had to deal with a challenging retail sector. This has been caused by overstocks in the marketplace due to unseasonable weather patterns, making it harder to predict sales and have the correct products available at the right time; to other external factors, such as inflationary pressures which are making the retail environment extremely volatile and unfortunately leaving some key partners to close their stores.

However, we continue to evolve and shape our product ranges to suit these needs. New product for Winter 2023 and Summer 2024 with new CO2Renu fleece range and is made from carbon waste, and we have updated our NosiLife technology. The insect repellent collection is now even more sustainable and commercial which has seen our order books increase for SS24. Our DTC channels continue to grow through fantastic story telling of our award-winning collections.

New Systems

Over the past 18 months the business has continued to invest in the future and the group has recently transitioned on to a new ERP system which will enable the group to meet its customers’ requirements more easily and with greater speed. As part of the digital upgrade, we have also added new data software products which will form part of our business intelligence package and allow us to analyse all the touch points within the business much more efficiently and in greater detail.

The implementation of the Dynamics system has already had an impact when introduced to Craghoppers last year. We have seen some saving of CO2 due to the integration to our customers systems, resulting in less use of printing and less error for mistakes with direct communication to similar systems with regards to ordering & fulfilment systems.

Board of Directors

We celebrated the retirement of our COO, David Holt, who has now moved into a Non-Exec Director role for the group. Orla Flynn, has joined our board as COO, Majid Khan has joined us as CFO and Rebecca De Niro has also joined as a Non-Exec Director.

Senior Management

Within the Craghoppers Buying Team there have been a number of promotions of key personnel Madeleine Fenby-Taylor, Katie Cotterill and Deb Halsey to more senior positions, reflecting their key roles in our sustainability journey.

Innovation

We continue to work closely with our trusted supply chain partners, some whom we have particularly close relationships with, which have been developed over many years. Therefore, we are lucky to say that there have been no significant changes in this area. However, as we continue to innovate, we are always looking for new partners to help bring our visions to life. Our new innovation projects continue to thrive with the introduction of CO2Renu technology for AW23 and new plant-based NosiLife technology for SS24.

Factory Engagement

We work with factories that share our sustainability and ethical ethos and one of our factories in Bangladesh has been excelling in this, winning awards such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS) Award in 2022. As signatories to the UNFCCC, they have just completed their first CDP report. They also care for their employees wellbeing, with many initiatives such as a free medical clinic on Fridays, bonuses and livelihood aid.

Warehouse

We recognise USDAW union at our warehouse Pioneer Point.

Memberships of Association and Partners

Sustainable Product

Since 1981, our core strength has been in our product and product supply chain. Sourcing products from 10 countries predominantly in eastern Asia, we have built great relationships with our suppliers and are extremely proud of our longstanding strategic partners. Championed by our owner and Board Director Joanne Black, it runs through our core, because we wholly believe that: “Making good quality clothing, footwear, accessories and equipment should not come at the expense of others.”

Technologies

Craghoppers is best known for its innovative technologies serving four bespoke markets of waterproof, insulating, anti-insect and sun protective clothing:

AQUADRY

A combination of our waterproof and breathable coating and our technical outer fabrics delivers guaranteed levels of protection and comfort. The outer face is treated with a durable water repellent finish to help keep the outer fabric drier for longer.

NOSIBOTANICAL

An effective repellent for biting insects, using a sustainable plant-based fabric treatment derived from lemon eucalyptus oil. The treatment remains effective for up to 25 washes.

NOSILIFE

GORE-TEX

World-leading waterproof and breathable fabrics for all weather conditions.

H20SHIELD

A plant-based PFC Free water repellent bonded onto the fabric which is made from a renewable source, allowing rain and water-based stains to simply runoff.

THERMO PRO

Specially constructed high loft insulation gives comparable warmth to natural down. But is also lightweight and quick-drying. Not just animal but human friendly too.

NOSILIFE

From 2024, unrivalled insect repellent technology, NosiLife will be made with sustainable Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil as the active repellent ingredient and offers true insect repellency and odour elimination.

SOLARSHIELD

A range of sun-protective fabric tested for UV-protection UPF40+. Sun-protection is given by a combination of 3 things, thedensity of the fabric construction, the type of yarns used, and it’s colour.

DYNAMIC 12000

DYNAMIC 12000

This range uses a combination of six naturally found minerals including magnesium and calcium, to help reflect your body’s own infrared rays back into the body.

Preferred Materials

When selecting the right fabrics and components for our products, we believe it is critical to strike to right balance between sustainability, quality and performance. Our aim is to incrementally increase the content of preferred materials in our products, while still maintaining the high levels of performance, longevity and quality that our customers expect. We define preferred materials as fabrics and finishes that show environmental benefits versus their conventional alternatives.

Polyester Material Regular Polyester

Conventional GRS certified, C02Renu Preferred Material

Nylon Regular Nylon GRS certified

Elastane Regular Elastane Recycled Elastane

Polyester is the most widely used material in Craghoppers’ products. In 2022, 71.3% of all the polyester we used was recycled. In order to ensure we are monitoring our supply chain, we only use recycled yarns which have been sourced from suppliers that are certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and supply certification at supplier. We also believe that we need to work with industry innovators who are trying to find alternative recycled sources other than PET bottles. Since 2022, we have been collaborating with Accelerating Circularity who are looking at scaleable solutions to offer textile to textile recycling.

Working in collaboration with Industry experts, Lanzatech, in 2023, we launched our first-ever capsule fleece collection, incorporating CO2 emissions as the starting point for creating our recycled polyester fabric.

We use Nylon in our products for superior strength and durability. In order to ensure we are monitoring our supply chain we only use recycled Nylon yarns which have been sourced from suppliers that are certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and supply certification at supplier.

Elastane is used in our blends to offer improved comfort and performance. Recycled elastane which has the same durability and recovery as regular elastane is still in development. We are looking to use blends of both materials to ensure our products have good longevity.

Our targets* for 2025

Minimum 50% GRS certified content.

Expand use of C02Renu technology.

Minimum 50% GRS certified content

Increase use of recycled elastane or replace with mechanical stretch yarns/ construction

Preferred Materials

Cotton Material Regular Cotton

Preferred Material

Conventional Better Cotton/Organic Cotton/Recycled Cotton

Since our last report we have reviewed our sourcing strategy and where cotton content in a product is over 50% we are moving to Organic or Recycled cotton sources, in order to enable us to have greater visibility of our supply chain with certified, GRS, OCS or GOTS cotton. This allows us to trace the source of the cotton back through the production to the farms where the cotton is grown. The production of Organic cotton endeavours to protect the environment where it is grown whilst also providing a stable income with fair wages for those who produce it. Organic cotton uses no chemical pesticides or fertilizers, limits soil erosion and is less thirsty than normal cotton. Recycled cotton is more sustainable than regular cotton as it reduces the energy used in cotton production. We still use Better Cotton, a global non-profit organisation, in our products because we know that as members of Better Cotton, we ensure that our cotton meets the highest standards for sustainability and for workers’ rights.

Our targets* for 2025

100% cotton from more sustainable sources. Where content exceeds 50%, we are working towards using Organic. Where cotton content is less than 50% of fibre blend it will be sourced through Better Cotton or GRS recycled.

Man Made

Cellulosics (MMC)

Viscose/Rayon Tencel (Lenzing)

Linen Regular Linen Organic Linen

Incorporating MMC into some of our fibre blends, offers improved breathability and wicking compared to cotton. We choose to use Lenzing Tencel for our MMC, as it is only produced from sustainably managed PEFC or FSC tree plantations. By using MMC yarns through Lenzing Tencel, we can be assured traceability that the raw material is responsibly sourced.

Linen is a more sustainable choice for us when sourcing fibre blends to offer improved performance for travel. The entire flax plant can be woven into a fibre, which means that almost no waste is left over from the spinning and weaving process.

100% linen from Organic sources where linen content exceeds 50% of total fibre blend

Wool Regular woolunregulated Merinonon Museled

As an outdoor brand, we believe using wool in some of our products offers improved performance. We only use wool which has been ethically sourced through a certified body.

100% of MMC from traceable sources

100% wool from non - museled sources

Preferred Materials

Leather Material Regular dyed Leather - unregulated

Conventional Gold Star/NewHide Preferred Material

Trims Regular materials

(Polyester,PET, PU, rubber, metal)

GRS certified Polyester, recycled PET, plant based PU, recycled metal

EVA Petrochemical based Biobased EVA - Bloom Byproducts

We use leather for its unique properties that make it the ideal choice for footwear. We only use gold standard tanneries for our leather boots and shoes. They use better methods of tanning, creating less waste and using less water. We also use flame lamination to apply our AquaDry membrane. Our NewHide fabric, which was introduced in 2022, uses less water and dyes than our standard leather, upto 60% less.

Our targets* for 2025

100% leather from Gold Star Tannieries. Invest in developing plant based leather alternatives.

We nominate the majority of our trims and work closely with our supply partners to source the most sustainable options available, whilst ensuring they are fit for purpose and provide the longevity required. Currently we use: 100% recycled labels, 25% recycled buttons and toggles, at least 40% recycled pullers and shockcords and at least 50% recycled zip tapes, on non-waterproof zips. This work is ongoing and reviewed every season, to ensure we are moving forward with any new developments.

When we started producing footwear in 2022 we wanted to ensure the collection aligned with our material sourcing for clothing. We decided to incorporate BLOOM™ sustainable materials which transform waste bio-materials - like excess algae – into renewable materials. This reduces the negative impacts of fossil-fuel based materials found in footwear and other consumer products. By using BLOOM, we can illustrate to the consumer just how much water has been cleaned and resto9red to the environment and how much CO2 has been cleaned.

Since our last report, we have started to use BLOOM in the peaks of our caps and we are looking to introduce it into our other equipment collections.

We also use other byproducts in our footwear such as coffee beans in our EVA midsoles.

Continue to increase the recycled content of all trims

Minimum 50% EVA to incorporate Bloom technology

*where a minimum % is listed this refers to a portion of the total fibre blend.

The following shows the breakdown of our preferred material usage for 2022.

In 2022, 70% of the materials used in our clothing were selected from our preferred materials. Our biggest impact is Polyester, accounting for 72% of our total usage, where 71% was derived from GRS sources.

Restricted Chemicals

Our Restricted Substances List sets out our requirements, including restrictions for any potentially harmful chemicals. Our Restricted Substances list is aligned with EOG and Reach, which is best practice for our industry. All our suppliers are required to declare compliance with our list of restricted substances before beginning production. Our Restricted Substances list is carefully monitored and aligned with any amendments to harmful chemicals. Each component used in our production will be traceable and will have been tested or assessed in line with our Restricted Substance list. We work with suppliers who have accreditations to validate the materials they provide.

We look for:

• Oeko-Tex®: a system for testing textiles to show they’re free from over 100 harmful substances

• Leather Working Group: an initiative that awards tanneries with good environmental and chemicals management a gold, silver or bronze rating

In March 2023, we featured in this Which report PFAS/PFCs: where to shop to avoid the forever chemicals in waterproof clothing - Which? News where we were cited as one brand of few Outdoor brands that only offer PFC free waterproofs and DWRs.

Innovative Tech

Our Product Development team has been engineering new styles in CLO, a 3D design programme since 2021. This programme helps reduce the need for prototypes, therefore reducing waste. The system is already reducing the amount of samples, but the aim by 2025 is to reduce the CO2 emissions.

The climate impact projection for this technology is between 280kgCO2e to 709kgCO2e saved depending on the season (based on an insulated waterproof jacket Higg PM).

Associations & Partnerships

UNFCCC

The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action contains the vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It was launched at COP24 in Poland in December 2018 and renewed at COP26 in Glasgow, UK, in November 2021. A focus of the UNFCCC this year is to ensure all its Signatories have clear transition plans, publicly committing to its mission to drive the fashion industry to 50% emission reduction by 2030 and net-zero Greenhouse Gas emissions no later than 2050. This is in line with the Paris Agreement to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

In recent years, we have seen the effects of global warming with acute physical risks increasing, from wildfires to flooding. The extreme weather the globe has been experiencing in recent years is a direct result of the temperature increase. Chronic physical risks are also becoming growing risk factors to our business, with China experiencing temperatures of more than 50 degrees Celsius in 2023, potentially causing a risk that we are mitigating by engaging with UNFCCC.

As a signatory to the UNFCCC and sitting in Bonn with the other members in February 2023 , it was clear that the main focus is to influence policy with the support and leverage internationally of the UN. With collective GHG data from all signatories this year and aligned transition plans, the Charter will be able to understand the scale of the issue and then contribute actively to the build-up of industry-wide collaboration including targets and approaches. In 2023, the focus has been redirected with 3 working groups looking at decarbonisation, manufacturing and Policy being formed.

The UNFCCC have formed a Bangladesh Peer Action Group, under the Policy engagement working group which will focus mainly on preparing a policy asks proposal and a pilot project design for renewable energy PPAs in Bangladesh context, which the group has requested to join.

In 2022, we saw our first manufacturing partner join the UNFCCC.

As a requirement of the UNFCCC, we have been conducting CDP reports since 2021. Our first achieved a grade B, with an A- in Supplier Engagement. On 26th July we submitted our CDP report for 2022.

CDP report available upon request at sustainability@craghoppers.com

Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Since our last report, in 2022, we joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, SAC to enable us to work collaboratively with many other likeminded companies. As part of this, the Higg Index has been an integral tool to enable us to benchmark our current performance against the best sustainability initiatives around, helping us set targets for our continuous improvement. (See Higg Index)

We have been verified as Foundation Plus members working and are currently working towards Progressive member status.

As members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, collaboratively with many other likeminded companies.

For the end of 2024, we are moving towards Science based targets (SBTs).

As part of this, the Higg Index has been an integral enable us to benchmark our current performance the best sustainability initiatives around, helping targets for our continuous improvement. We are tools available through the Higg Index including Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) and Product enable us to review our materials, trims and products.

Higg Index

We started using the tools available through the Higg Index in 2021. We have completed the Brand Retail Module (BRM) to evaluate our status on salient ESG topics and to prioritise our efforts for 2 years now and share our assessment with our partner brands within the Regatta Group. We utilise the Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) and Product tools to enable us to review our materials, trims and products to make data driven decisions on what fibres, dyestuffs and finishes we should pursue in our development. These tools help us raise the bar on our sustainability efforts and gives us practical targets everywhere. Through using the Limited Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool, Craghoppers have been able to successfully compare the LCA impact of using dope dyeing as a dyeing method vs recycled fibres, resulting in us increasing the recycled fibres due to the higher impact when it was reviewed. This review using the Higg tools available has been shared with the Group, who are now building on this work by beginning to evaluate more production methods and materials in 2023.

This helps us raise the bar on our sustainability efforts and gives us practical targets everywhere.

Policy Hub

We are members of the Policy Hub which is an organisation that unites the textiles industry to develop ambitious policies that accelerate sustainable practices. They represent over 700 clothing & footwear stakeholders, including brands, retailers, and manufacturers. They gather technical expertise and knowledge from members of partner organisations: Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), Federation of European Sporting Goods (FESI), Textile Exchange, and Fashion For Good. The Policy Hub’s focus is on the EU. They initiate meetings and discussion between policy makers and the membership to get a better understanding of localised legislation.

EOG

We joined the European Outdoor Group (EOG) this year to ensure that we are ahead of any environmental legislation that is being discussed through the EU Directives. We engage on a regular basis on issues like legislation, circular business models and collaborate on projects such as textile-to-textile recycling.

Textile Exchange2025 Recycled Polyester Challenge

As part of the Group, we are signatories to Textile Exchange’s, 2025 Recycled Polyester Challenge -through which we are committed to increasing the amount of recycled Polyester in our brand’s products and ranges.

The 2025 Recycled Polyester Challenge was developed by Textile Exchange in 2021 as a joint initiative with the UNFCCC, which serves as an important catalyst for change in the apparel and textile industry.

Our business targets align with the challenge to commit to bringing the percentage of recycled polyester up to >60% across our brand and the rest of the Group by 2025.

In 2022, we already crossed 38% recycled polyester. As part of our due diligence, we only use recycled yarns that have been sourced from suppliers that are certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and supply certification at supplier and transaction level.

The Microfibre Consortium

We have been members of the Microfibre Consortium since 2017, looking to find a solution to Microfibre leakage into our oceans. We work with the research programme and other likeminded companies, to find better fibres, yarns and fabrics to use in our collections which are kinder to the environment.

We are currently testing our fabrics, building a bank of results, and setting an internal standard for fabrics to access the impact of its shedding whilst waiting for confirmation of a pass/fail rate.

We are working with the Microfibre Consortium and our supply base on manufacturing methods and filtration to minimise shedding during production. We are aware that microplastic shedding is a well-known, dangerous polluter to our water systems. Our luxury Microfleece has extra finishing to remove these excess fibres. This has resulted in significantly less shedding than others on the market. Microfibres lost in the production process are collected by the vacuum system and recycled into wall insulation.

Packaging Polybags

From AW2023 our polybags are made from 100% recycled plastic, are fully recyclable and the size is seasonally reviewed to ensure minimal plastic use.  For some products we have managed to reduce the size by over 25%.

The priority for our warehouse at Pioneer Point is to reduce plastic by 20% by 2024 and 50% + in the next 2-3 years. This will be achieved by reducing our mail order bag size for 70-80% of the orders we send out for digital, as well as increasing the recycled content to 98%. This is an area we are constantly looking to improve, and we work collaboratively with other likeminded local businesses and universities to look at ways to work in a more circular economy.

In the past 2 years we have used 11 million metres of shrink wrap in our warehouse - roughly the distance from Manchester to New York and back. Thankfully the warehouse team is looking at ways to reduce this as well as trialling alternatives.

FSC Paper and Single Walled Reusable Cartons

We only use recycled materials in all our printing. We don’t laminate paper and we source all paper from renewable sources (FSC Standard).

We have moved to single walled reusable cartons in our warehouses and are  reviewing on a product-by-product basis to move to single walled cartons for goods coming into our warehouses, which could save up to 20kg CO2e per carton to ship some of our goods.

All our departments are set goals to help reduce their environmental impact. As part of this, our marketing department produced its first digital workbook in 2018 to launch seasonal ranges instead of 100s of printed copies. In AW20, we printed 334 for the UK plus 224 initials and then 1025 for Europe in comparison with SS24 where we printed no initials, 156 for UK and 500 for Europe.

Aftercare Guaranteed for Life

GUARANTEED FOR LIFE

Making products that last is a key ingredient to sustainability.

We are so proud of the quality of our product that we offer unparalleled guarantees. Our clothing is guaranteed for life, our footwear for two years and our luggage for five.

Clever Care

Making products that last is a key ingredient to sustainability. We are so proud of the quality of our product that we offer unparalleled guarantees. Our clothing is guaranteed for life, our footwear for two years and our luggage for five. Each part of our products are tested to ensure they are fit for purpose and offer durability.

Each part of our products are tested to ensure they are fit for purpose and offer durability.

We have also joined forces with the Timpson - the UK’s largest branch network of Repairs Alterations, Dry Cleaning and Laundry to repair service for our customers.

Although the product lifecycle of outdoor garments is considerably longer than fast fashion, it’s still our responsibility to extend the product lifecycle to the best of our abilities.

We have continued to work with the Timpson Group - the UK’s largest branch network for repairs and alterations - to offer a free repair service for our consumers in the UK. We facilitated over 500 product repairs in 2021-22 and our goal is to introduce a similar scheme in Europe in 2024.

In 2020, we started a ‘Clever Care project’ where every item within the range is checked to see the best way for consumers to launder and care for their garments, to improve garment life. This included reducing washing temperatures to 30 degrees where appropriate and offering more environmentally sustainable ways to dry, such as line dry. In 2021, we started to offer guidance on our websites to ensure our consumers are extending the life of their products - from reproofing wax jackets to removing pilling from base layers. This extended to basic home repair instructions of how to rethread a zipper or stitch on a button. In 2022, Craghoppers had 8600 views of our online aftercare guidance, with 40,000 hits on our Guarantee for Life registration form.

To enhance the consumer’s experience, we have added a QR code onto the garment which gives more information on the garment, including its environmental impact, a collaboration with one of our major long term business partners that is reviewed on a seasonal basis. Improved durability of products through testing, wearer trials and product guarantees not only reduces emissions impact but also bolsters brand reputation and could increase market share with improved customer satisfaction and experience.

Circularity Product Recycling

In 2022, members of our team began collaborating on a textile-to-textile recycling project spearheaded by European Outdoor Group (EOG) along with other EOG members.

The goal of the project is to see our current returned products sorted into fibre content – breaking down the garment before making it into a new fibre that can then be used as another product.

18 months into the project and we are at the exciting stage of starting to see the textiles that have been collected by the various processors, turned back into raw materials. The biggest challenge to date is sorting and removing components before the garments can be recycled. We are keen to see how this can be managed in future at scale to make it commercially viable.

By 2025 we hope to be able to see yarn and potentially fabric that has been produced entirely from polyester textile waste, we can then see what applications this can be used for to build into our long term plans.

In addition to us looking to recycle returned clothing, we encourage our business partners within our supply chain to reuse their production waste. In 2022, 10 tonnes of fibres were used in wall installation. Our suppliers make countless blankets from off cuts and 61% of our recycled Polyamide fibres, destined for land fill, were repurposed back into fibre.

Newlife

We are proud of our partnership of over 7 years with Newlife, a Charity who provides much needed equipment to disabled children. Newlife offers full traceability, which is an integral part of the Honesty Project, to ensure that our items are not just ending up in landfill. All returns and some end of lines from our warehouse are sent to the Newlife who manage the process of repurposing, by either delabelling and reselling, mending, or stripping them down into components which can then be sold to make money for the Charity. We also have a take back scheme in some of our stores where consumers can bring an old jacket and replace with a new Craghoppers one (with a voucher too). Newlife take these items for recycling. The money made is then spent on providing items for children in order for them to live a fuller life.

For the period of 2022-23, Newlife saved 8,304 tonnes of carbon, the equivalent of the carbon emissions from over 23.9 million road miles travelled by car. The Group’s donations to the charity represents 2.46% of all in bound stock , making our estimated nett carbon saving of 180.6 tonnes. Equivalent of over 1 million road miles travelled by a small petrol car.

In 2024, we are looking to expand our product recycling activities into Europe with Ubrania do Oddania, a company in Poland which was founded in 2018 to establish a fundraising platform combining used clothing collections with financial support for charitable organisations in Europe.

Responsible Sourcing

“Making good quality clothing, footwear, accessories and equipment should not come at the expense of others.”

Championed by our owner and Board Director Joanne Black, this ethos runs through the core of our business.  Our ethical strategy isn’t just about making sure we are sourcing responsibly but that we are making a positive impact on the world around us and the communities in which we operate.

We build close, long-term relationships with the suppliers that manufacture our products, and we only work with factories that comply with our ethical, social and environmental standards. Since 1981, our core strength has been in our product and product supply chain. Sourcing products from 10 countries, mainly in eastern Asia, we have built great relationships with our suppliers and are extremely proud of our longstanding strategic partners.

Our supply chain spans across continents from raw materials to manufacturing, all the way through to wear, use and disposal by our consumers. We do not own the factories or suppliers who produce our goods, but we understand that our biggest exposure to modern slavery is within our product supply chains. Therefore we take a hands-on approach to work with all our partners to ensure our company ethics align.

• 70% of our clothing production volume in SS22/AW22 came from suppliers we have been working with for over 25 years

• 9% of our clothing production volume in SS22/AW22 came from suppliers we have been working with for over 10 years (but less than 25)

• 21% of our clothing production volume in SS22/AW22 came from suppliers we have been working with for over 5 years (but less than 10)

Our Milestones

We are committed to increasing our transparency and human rights within our supply chain and our focus over the past year has been to further embed our policies into our 2nd and 3rd tier suppliers. We have already mapped out our extended supply chain and have completed an audit on 60% of our 2nd tier suppliers. For those not yet audited we have begun work already to promote labour rights and increase awareness to the workers through training sessions, posters and leaflet handouts.

2012

Regatta Group became a member of Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI)

1998

All product suppliers following globally

recognised SA8000 social standard

2017

Awarded Achiever level with ETI and won MEN Business of the year Judges Choice Award

2014

Advanced from Foundation level member to Improver level member with ETI following our first report submission

2019

Maintained Achiever level with ETI but recognised as one of the top performing companies within the ETI members.

2018

Joined Greater Manchester Network for Modern Slavery

2019

Became signatories of the UNFCCC

2022

Became members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition

Our Awards & Achievements

It is such an honour to be recognised in the Industry for our innovations. Over the years we have collected a few awards for our clothing, footwear, luggage and technologies. Our awards shelf is getting pretty full.

2019 Outdoor by ISPO Award - Salado Boot

2020 Drapers Sustainable Fashion Brand of the Year Award

2020 UK Outdoor Industry Award - 40l Hybrid

2021 ISPO Award - Dynamic 12000 technology

2021 UK Outdoor Industry Award - Locke Shoe

2022 ISPO Award - CO2Renu

2022 Drapers Footwear Team of Year Award

2023 Finalist OIA Awards - CO2Renu - awaiting results

2023 Shortlisted Drapers Sustainable Fashion Brand of the Year and Sustainable Materials Awards

Score Card

We have been using a scorecard system to evaluate our supplier base for over a decade. This is a top-level tool used to assess the progress in specific areas of the process including deliveries, quality and ESG activities. This is a process that is conducted bi-annually.

Following on from this and as a suggestion from the SAC, we have now created and implemented a supplier sustainability score card across the business, for all non-product suppliers. The scorecard will allow us to monitor key non-product supplier’s sustainability initiatives and better understand their capabilities. As well as identify continuous improvement and collaboration opportunities for us.

Our sustainability questionnaire is structured around 3 guiding principles: Transparency, Collaboration and Leadership & Innovation, in line with our Groups’ core values. The questions included within each category are also carefully structured in line with our own key CSR initiatives.

DOING

increasing our transparency and our supply chain and our focus been to further embed our 2nd and 3rd tier suppliers.

mapped out our extended supply completed an audit on 60% of our 2nd those not yet audited we have begun promote labour rights and increase workers through training sessions,

Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)

As members of the ETI since 2012, we continue to work with our supply base to improve the working conditions and wellbeing of the workers, ensuring that the facilities follow best practice in the working environment. Craghoppers reached and has maintained “Achiever Level” status, since 2017, through regular checks. We ensure that working conditions remain at a high standard in our factories.

We are now implementing a management training programme and promoting opportunities for personal development within the business for everyone –women and men. We are addressing gender bias and pay equality through our 3rd party audits. We have also taken the time to work with our key fabric mills and garment manufacturers to develop their own sustainable business plans.

ETI in brief

• Ensured 68,000 + workers in our partner factories, across 9 countries are covered by the ETI Base Code

• Inspected 122 factories across 10 countries

• Set up worker’s participation committees in key factories

• Reached over 14,000 workers in our Health and Safety training workshop

Modern Slavery

Craghoppers first published its Modern Slavery statement in July 2017 in accordance with the UK Modern Slavery Act of 2015.

We are now proud to share this; our fourth statement, which summarises our activities and progress during the year ending January 2020 to prevent modern slavery of all forms, including child slavery, in our business and supply chain. At Craghoppers we have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery of any kind. Our approach is clear, “we care and treat people in our business and supply chain fairly, with honesty, courtesy and respect, as we ourselves would expect to be treated”

From our Board down, and through all aspects of our business we understand, “It is not just about what we do, but rather how we do it.”  We operate a culture where staff are encouraged to voice any concerns using the appropriate reporting channels. Everyone must play their part and be alert to the warning signs of slavery. This year our work on modern slavery continues to extend further into our wider supply chain. We want to act as leaders in our field, making changes, having conversations, allowing voices to be heard, understanding risks, and preventing exploitation throughout by following a robust due diligence.

Tracking our Progress

Despite the challenges that come our way we are committed to ensuring the work and progress we do to prevent modern slavery continues to embed into our own business and through our business partners alike. We have the following checks in place to ensure KPIs are met:

- Our transparency map is one way we keep check of how far we have come, and as this continues to expand further to 2nd, 3rd and 4th tier suppliers of packaging, embroidery, washing and printing, we enforce the same principles and ask partners to align with us.

- Our CSR business plan sets objectives and strategy across a 3-year period, and we regularly review this across the business and at Board level with regards to modern slavery.

- Our ETI membership helps us to navigate deeper into the human rights issues and also keeps in check our progress through a bi-annual reporting system which we will be submitting next year.

- Our questionnaire to the wider supply chain of providers of GSNFR continues to benchmark their ability to detect and mitigate modern slavery risk through policy and training, trading relationships, recruitment, and employees working conditions and wages.

- 3rd party audit reporting, & reporting through NGO hotline.

- Continuous presence in our factories, through employees on the ground, right up to our owner and company MD’s visiting.

We recognise that modern slavery cannot be combatted alone, and so we believe in sharing best practices at all levels within the industry.

- Collaboration and sharing of best practice with other brands, and members within the European Outdoor Group (EOG) and the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA).

- As a supplier ourselves, we continue to offer support and collaborate with our customers in completing their own risk assessments by being open and transparent about our business practices and policies as well as these of our supply chain partners. We are members and attend the Greater Manchester Modern Slavery Business Network quarterly meetings. These provide an opportunity for businesses based in or with connection to the region to work together and support each other in tackling modern slavery. It is a great opportunity for representatives from a wide range of businesses and sectors to hear about some of the good work that is going on in the region, as well as sharing some of the challenges businesses face in tackling this horrific crime. In June, this year we hosted the first virtual meeting due to Covid restrictions, which saw over 25 organisations from across the North West, as well as one of our own supply partners in Bangladesh come together to discuss openly responsible recruitment and preventative measures within global supply chains. We hope to inspire other businesses with our work and in the fight to stop modern slavery in all forms.

Social Impact

We want to make a positive difference to the lives of those touched by our business. We run two main Social Impact Programmes in the same villages as our factories in Bangladesh, looking after the health and wellbeing of the female workers and supporting the education of over 260 children each year in a local school.

Wellbeing Survey

In 2021, we wanted to find out what the workers in our factories felt about their workplace. We sent out an anonymous wellbeing survey to 3 of our factories in Bangladesh to understand their thoughts on income, safety and respect in the workplace. The survey comprised of a concise 14 question format, devised by Sedex, to help guide us on what areas the factories need to improve to make the workplace environment more appealing for their workers. It was in a digital format so that workers could access it via their mobile phones. This helped participants be more truthful in their responses as they did not feel nervous that their response forms were being monitored. It also gave workers themselves a clear channel to raise grievances, and a direct line of communication, to reduce the chance of exploitation occurring in our production sites. We surveyed 392 workers in total, 70% women and 30% men.

We were delighted that our factories scored so highly in all areas of the questionnaire, however following a review of their results, we are developing action plans and covering areas such as training on grievance procedures and H&S procedures, the introduction of exit interviews. And mid-level management training on worker dialogue. We will be continuing to monitor the effects of these action plans.

Savar Primary School

The Savar Primary School, located in our garment factory area in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has been a lifeline to many families for over 14 years. The school provides a safe space to educate 262 students from 4-14 years of age, of which 58 of them have some form of learning or physical disability. We also provide a daily nutritious meal, school uniforms, a fully stocked library with new library books being added regularly and a scholarship programme. Our teacher training programme ensures that the students get the best education possible and we have also employed an ex-student as our librarian.

We started a Scholarship initiative in 2021 at the school with the aim to support the primary graduates succeed to complete Secondary and Tertiary Education. We wanted to provide extra tutoring support to the primary graduates who didn’t have a proper learning environment or support at home.

RHEP Programme

We have run the RHEP Programme since 2017 in our factories in Bangladesh. The programme educates and empowers our female workers in health and nutrition, Health and Safety in the workplace, gender equality, discrimination, violence and harassment. Over the time, we have reached over 15,500 workers who then pass on their knowledge to their own communities.

In 2024, we will be launching a new programme to empower women in the workplace and will be able to update on this in the next report.

Local UK Schools

We have a small action team in the Group who work with local primary schools in Trafford and Salford to help their most vulnerable children at key times of the year. Each Christmas, we pack over 400 bags with food, including cupboard essentials to help make substantial breakfasts and meals and treats, including Christmas crackers, selection boxes, festive snacks, colouring books and pens which have been donated by staff or bought by the company and these are delivered to the primary schools before the festive break.

In addition, in 2023 we arranged an inspiring visit to two local schools by two Ambassadors from our partners Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT). Father and daughter Marine Biologists, Jonathan and Sofia Green as well as CEO of GCT, Jen Jones (also a Marine Biologist), spoke to the children about the plastic pollution free and whale shark projects currently running on the Galapagos Islands. They also fielded questions from their inquisitive Year 5 audience.

We left them with teaching aids on plastic pollution, indigenous animals from the island and biodiversity to include in their day to day teaching.

Environment

We’re committed to delivering on our targets for reducing waste, water and carbon emissions. We believe that every individual can make an impact and we’re committed to reducing our footprint across all our operations.

GHG Emissions

Since our last report, we are well underway with our carbon measurement plan for workplaces, shipping, operations and business fleets and have plans in place to manage our emissions. This includes collating data, setting a baseline and then targeting in line to achieve the targets set by signing up to the UN Global Compact, to emit 45% less GHG by 2030.

At HQ, we complete the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) every 4 years. This is designed to investigate our current outlay on energy and highlights how we can reduce energy usage and also incorporate further efficiencies.

In 2021, we completed the UK Government’s compliance scheme, the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR). This is designed to make companies aware of their energy usage and carbon footprint. Currently we are reviewing our energy suppliers and renegotiating contracts, to switch where possible to those offering renewable energy. Our Distribution Centre (Pioneer Point) currently draws 44% of its energy from renewable sources.

In 2023, the Group is working with a consultant to develop our transition plan, in order to sign up to Science Based Targets for our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. This involves conducting a detailed review and gap assessment on our GHG inventory with recommendations from the consultant and GHG quantification support provided. Collaborative workshops are being held throughout the Group to review carbon reduction initiatives and decarbonisation plans, to impact our target status.

The Group monitors our supply chain’s progress of Scope 3 emissions through the Higg FEM, to align with our transition plan. We engage with our supply chain partners through business plans, giving them a chance to showcase their short and long-term plans. Meetings are arranged to go through the business plans with the supplier, various managers and staff members. We also organise bi-annual supplier meetings to discuss progress from each party. These are followed up with regular meetings or face to face meetings with representatives of the brands to keep our plans moving forward.

Part of the review we have reduced use of LPG fuel in our fork lift trucks and changed to lithium batteries. This has resulted in a considerable reduction of CO2 emissions from 17mtCO2e to 0.3mtCO2e.

Renewable Energy

At the time of our last report we had just installed 892 solar panels, across 1,623 m2 of roof of our Head office. Since then, the use of renewable energy has increased in direct operations for the Group with not only our Head Office having solar panels installed, but our Distribution Centre in the UK also having the technology fitted 1,111 Solar Panels in July 2022. For 2022, the combined solar energy generated was 290890kwh/291mhw, saving 166mtCO2e. (The figures exclude Jan-march 2022 at HO, figures were not measured until March 2022 and July to beginning of September at the DC in order to calibrate and install the system.)

Our Distribution Centre produced 36,810 kwh in the first 5 months which equates to a saving of 214 tonnes of CO2e. In June 2023, we had no need to draw any electricity from the grid for either facility. But this is something we unfortunately can’t maintain over the darker winter months.

Current Savings:

Current saving from our head office (July 22 to June 23 using 273,176kwh) and our distribution centre - (September 22 to June 23 using 155,630kwh) is 246mt CO2e.

Long term financial planning will be affected by our commitments to our climate strategy - this will be the commitment to ensure that all our global electricity needs come from 100% certified renewable sources - all contracts must be renegotiated and applied. We will need this to be able to achieve our targets and will be a focus in building our transition plan.

For the countries where renewable energy can’t be purchased and where we have large presence, we would need to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (REC’s). At present we are in a budget planning phase to roll out globally, starting in 2024.

In 2023, the UNFCCC policy group are continuing in this region with a Bangladesh Peer action group mainly focusing on policy looking to pilot a projected designed for renewable energy PPAs, a group that we will be supporting. The Government of Bangladesh has also committed to reducing 15% GHG emission by 2030, among which 5% reduction is unconditional and 10% is contingent on international, technical and financial support. Work in this group is just starting with the aim to increasing renewable sources in Bangladesh.

Shipping

The Group has engaged with our inbound logistic partner (K&N) from the outset. The Group default shipping method remains by sea, with train travel considered before any high impact methods of transport like airfreight, even if for only part of the journey.

Our strategy of consolidation and the shipment of full containers is mandatory for our logistic provider to make sea travel the preferred method of low impact method of shipping. We have been conducting trials on speed and the type of vessels to review the efficiency.

In 2022, we continued to purchase biofuel (2nd generation fuel using cooking oil Methyl Ester) as on offset asset. We doubled our intake from 45mt to 90mt.

By the end of 2023, the Group will become members of ZEMBA, a consortium of businesses that lobby shipping lines to invest in greener fuels.

Transportation for outbound goods remains a priority with a trial (with mainly samples) of the use of electric/hybrid vehicles for transportation from our Tier 1 facilities to port completed and being rolled out in 2024. We receive regular reports to review our impact. Our freight partner is also now using a dashboard on our progress which is operated through our new BI system, to give us further clarity.

Water

We have been monitoring our water consumption in our Head office and with our suppliers, using the Higg Index, since our last report. For 2023/24, water has become our primary focus with a complete assessment of analysis of our data and review of our targets. As part of this work, we are looking at dyes using less water in factories and we are also looking at water quality and scarcity.

Waste Management

Our operations produce waste and it’s our responsibility to ensure that it’s managed, with a closed loop economy being the goal.

We are looking for zero-waste certification for 2024. The following items are recycled: metal, wood, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), lamps, paper, card and plastic.

We continue to prioritise double sided printing and our ‘Think before you print’ policy at Head Office. Our goal is to be back at 50% reduction in 2025.

We are currently trialling a programme for 3 months with Olio to ensure food left over from our canteen at the end of the day is taken away and distributed to the local communities. The issue of food waste has been raised through our Project 5 team and this trial is the result of best practices to do this and reduce our waste. We will be able to report back on this in the next report.

We have management systems in place that comply with the requirements of The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). Under these regulations, UK operations evaluate and control the risks to the health of all employees from exposure to hazardous substances at work.

Electric/Hybrid Vehicles

In 2022, we introduced a policy at Head Office that all company cars where mileage is below 12,000m/ 19,000km are to have either a hybrid or electric car to replace any fossil fuel model currently in use. This increased the total number of electric/hybrid cars from 8 to 17. This includes our 1st fully electric vehicle and our first hybrid being used in Belgium. That same year we increased the number of electric charging points from 4 to 6.

In the 1st half of 2023, numbers of hybrid/electric cars, driven by Group employees rose to 25, 4 of which being totally electric cars. The total number of company cars in the UK has increased by 13% with the number of low carbon vehicles rising by 66% in 2 years.

This is all in-line with our sustainability strategy to reduce Scope 1 emissions by switching our car fleet to low- or zero-emission vehicles. Back in 2021, when the 5 hybrid cars were added to the car fleet, Scope 1 CO2e emissions were reduced by 16 tonnes CO2. We have continued this strategy by increasing the number of low- or zero-emission vehicles by 15%, in total 1 electric and 16 hybrid out of a fleet of 52 cars. As a result of the increase in 2022, the reporting figure of CO2e is 47mtCO2e which is a 375% increase in avoided emissions due to the use of low or zero-emission cars.

Also in 2023, the Group is launching a programme for employees to lease a fully electric vehicle for an agreed time period using a salary sacrifice scheme. As these will be leased by the company, these too would be considered as company cars. This is a great scheme to encourage people to choose an electric car who may not have been able to afford one otherwise.

For our outbound logistics and general courier services we use DPD. They were chosen following a tender for the business where they had to provide their own sustainable credentials. Our strategy to reduce mobile Scope 1 emission by reverting to hybrid/electric vehicles was a consideration when engaging with them. They only use electric vehicles when delivering parcels for our organisation.

Engagement with Colleagues

As part of our initiatives, we are reaching out to colleagues offsite in the UK with an interactive hub, set up to encourage positive change and designed to help share ideas and information and encourage a sustainable approach to working lives.

For our UK stores, we are focusing on these 4 pillars:

• Buildings - energy review, repairs/renewals, management

• People (staff and customers) - engagement awareness, support

• POS - reuse, reduce, recycle

• Waste - clothing, general waste, CO2

Initial feedback has been very positive, and we are looking forward to rolling this out into Europe in 2024.

Conservation and Community

Working with likeminded partners and charities and supporting communities is at the core of the business. Some of our partners we have been working with for many years.

Ultimately through our partners, we want to enrich the lives of others, using the outdoors as the key and help protect our eco systems either on land or in the sea, ensuring that we do our bit for the environment.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

For 2023, we are proud to continue to be the recommended expedition clothing for the DofE for a further 3 years.

The Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is the world’s leading youth achievement award. Over 500,000 young people in the UK, aged 14 to 24, are actively doing their DofE each year (April 22- March 23), achieving a DofE Award and obtaining transferable skills, improving their wellbeing and having a great time along the way.

There are three levels, Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE Awards. The main differences between the levels are the age you can start, the time they take to complete and how challenging they are. There are four sections to all DofE Award levelsvolunteering, physical, skills and expedition and a fifth, residential, at Gold DofE Award level. Many young people enjoy the expedition section, in which they get an opportunity to stay away from home in a group and experience the outdoors.

From technical waterproof jackets to fleeces, we have created technical kit to ensure participants are comfortable out on the hills. We make a donation to the DofE charity for every item purchased. This goes towards enabling more young people from all backgrounds, in line with their Youth Without Limits Campaign, to achieve a DofE Award.

Our new Ambassador, Sam Sykes delivers DofE expeditions to schools and groups throughout the UK and globally. He will be sharing his expertise in delivering the DofE expeditions, providing feedback on our technical kit and joining us in working to make the outdoors more accessible for the next generation.

Galapagos Conservation Trust

CRAGHOPPERS | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | CRAGHOPPERS CARES - ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Isolated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and their resident wildlife and ecosystems are unique and fragile. With increasing human impact, they are also extremely vulnerable to change. Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) is the only UK charity focused solely on the conservation of the Galapagos Archipelago, one of the most ecologically important places in the world.

With nearly 30 years of experience, GCT partners with Ecuadorian authorities, NGOs, local communities and leading researchers to support impactful conservation programmes and deliver community outreach across the Archipelago.

We support GCT with financial donations to help towards the progress they are making to conserve the precious wildlife of Galapagos, with a particular focus on their ocean protection work. This includes tackling the vast quantities of plastic pollution that are washing up on Galapagos beaches and affecting wildlife in the Marine Reserve. GCT has identified the main types of plastic being found and where it is coming from (the main countries and sources), where it is accumulating, how it moves around the Reserve, and the main wildlife species being affected. This means we now have a much better idea about what needs to be done.

Our funding also helps GCT to fill knowledge gaps on blue carbon capture in and around Galapagos and supports research that has resulted in more of Ecuador’s waters being protected, which will in turn help protect the precious and beautiful wildlife within them.

Kevin Richardson Foundation

In the last 80 years, the wild lion population has declined from 450,000 to between 15,000-20,000. We have worked with Kevin Richardson in South Africaaka The Lion Whisperer - for a number of years, supporting his amazing work with lions and other wildlife at his Sanctuary. He also runs the Kevin Richardson Foundation which works to:

•  Acquire and protect key areas of land to expand natural lion habitats. If habitats like these shrink further and if the lion population continues to decline at the same rate, it is likely that in 20 years’ time there will be no lions left in the wild.

• Educate & empower communities surrounding the conservation areas firmly believes in integrated conservation. If communities in contact with wild species do not experience the tangible benefits of protecting wildlife, then human/wild life conflict and poaching will persist.

• Create a worldwide community of lion conservation collaborators who can help to combat wildlife degradation by participating in awareness and fund raising campaigns.

• Maintain & protect the Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary and its lions and help bring an end to the Canned Lion Hunting Industry through the help of citizen conservationists. The ultimate goal through Kevin’s Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to rescued lions, leopards and hyenas is to improve the quality of life for these animals and establish better security for them as poaching for the lion bone trade steadily increases.

English Heritage

English Heritage cares for over 400 historic monuments, buildings and places – from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, they bring the story of England to life for over 10 million visitors each year. Every year they seek to bring the story of England to life for people of all ages and backgrounds, in the places where it happened and in the most enriching ways. From Dover Castle to the Northumbrian Coast, the friendly English Heritage staff are passionate about their locations, sharing stories, facts and knowledge about their local site.

We are delighted to be working with English Heritage for a further 3 years. During our partnership, we will continue to provide warm technical jackets, fleece and softshell for all the staff; work with Ambassadors from across the Estate to tell their stories and those of their locations and produce an informative and engaging film each year which can be viewed on YouTube.

CRAGHOPPERS | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | CRAGHOPPERS CARES - FOR OUR PEOPLE

Professor Adam Greenstein Laboratory, University of Manchester

Dementia affects one in seven people over the age of 65 in the UK. Behind this figure however lies an even more striking statistic, reflecting the devastating ripple effect on families as dementia slowly strips away a beloved parent’s personality, dignity and independence. Amongst the wreckage of human lives lies the failure of modern medicine and science to develop effective medicines for patients with dementia. Indeed, there is no other disease worldwide which is as common as dementia and which has no treatment.

Through the Regatta Foundation, we will be supporting Professor Adam Greenstein’s research at the University of Manchester for five years. The funds will be used to further the small artery research he is pioneering which is aimed at restoring healthy blood flow to the brain in dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society

As part of the Group, we are lead sponsors of Alzheimer’s Society flagship trekking event – Trek26. As the UK’s leading dementia charity, Alzheimer’s Society works tirelessly to find new treatments, ultimately, to find a cure for dementia. They provide expert information, training and support services, working towards creating a dementia-friendly society. Trek26, which takes place in different venues across the UK and attracts thousands of people, helps to continue funding research, finding treatments and improving care for people affected by dementia.

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

DIAN FOSSEY GORILLA FUND

We have been working with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund since 2013, committed to protecting the Mountain gorillas of Rwanda and the Grauer gorillas in the Congo. Their holistic approach to conservation work has spanned over 50 years, and focuses on four main areas: Daily protection of gorillas, scientific research on gorillas and eco systems, education and helping local communities.

We have been working with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund since 2013, committed to protecting the Mountain gorillas of Rwanda and the Grauer gorillas in the Congo. Their holistic approach to conservation work has spanned over 50 years, and focuses on four main areas: Daily protection of gorillas, scientific research on gorillas and eco systems, education and helping local communities.

We have been working with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund since 2013, committed to protecting the Mountain gorillas of Rwanda and the Grauer gorillas in the Congo.

We proudly support the foundation and provide the brilliant team of conservationists with uniform, helping them to stay protected against the elements whilst working in the wild. We ensure that the rangers are properly kitted out with hardwearing Craghoppers clothing as they spend day in day out in the unforgiving forests near the Karisoke Research Centre.

Their holistic approach to conservation work has spanned over 50 years, and focuses on four main areas: Daily protection of gorillas, scientific research on gorillas and eco systems, training conservationists and helping local communities. We proudly support the foundation and provide the brilliant team of conservationists and ranger with a uniform to help them to stay protected against the elements whilst working in the wild. We ensure that the rangers are properly kitted out with hardwearing Craghoppers clothing as they spend day in day out in the unforgiving forests near the Karisoke Research Centre.

We proudly support the foundation and provide the brilliant team of conservationists with uniform, helping them to stay protected against the elements whilst working in the wild. We ensure that the rangers are properly kitted out with hardwearing Craghoppers clothing as they spend day in day out in the unforgiving forests near the Karisoke Research Centre.

You can learn more about how the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund successfully protects these gorillas by watching our short film ‘Hope’, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, available on our YouTube channel. CRAGHOPPERS

One of our ambassadors, Felix Ndagijimana, leads more than 150 staff at the Fossey Fund’s Karisoke Research Centre. As the Director, he oversees all of the programmes in Rwanda, which includes research, protection and helping local communities. You can learn more about how the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund successfully protects these gorillas by watching our short film ‘Hope’, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, available on our YouTube.

One of our ambassadors, Felix Ndagijimana, leads more than 150 staff at the Fossey Fund’s Karisoke Research Centre. As the Director, he oversees all of the programmes in Rwanda, which includes research, protection and helping local communities. You can learn more about how the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund successfully protects these gorillas by watching our short film ‘Hope’, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, available on our YouTube.

#Wetwo

#WETWO

The #WeTwo Foundation was set up by Adventurers Dwayne Fields and Phoebe Smith to empower underprivileged young people (age 16+) from disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing life changing experiences such as expeditions overseas and in their home country and undertaking wildlife and conservation initiatives. The pair met several years ago at Countryfile Live on a panel discussing barriers to getting into the outdoors and having adventures.

When you meet Adventurers Dwayne Fields and Phoebe Smith, you cannot help but be encouraged by their boundless enthusiasm. They set up the #WeTwo Foundation together after a chance meeting several years prior, when they were both on a panel discussing barriers to getting into the outdoors and having adventures. Their common goal was to empower underprivileged young people (age 16+) from disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing life changing experiences such as expeditions overseas and in their home country and undertaking wildlife and conservation initiatives.

“Since then, we’ve been using the tool of adventure to encourage the next generation, from all walks of life, to fall in love with the outdoors and look after our planet.”

In November 2022, Phoebe and Dwayne took 10 young adults to the Antarctic Peninsula, by expedition ship, Hurtigruten’s MS Fridtjof Nansen - one of the world’s first hybrid expedition vessels.

“We want them to fall in love with nature and wilderness and understand the relationship between what we do here in the UK and how it affects Antarctica (and vice versa) so that they will fight to protect it.”

“We wanted them to fall in love with nature and wilderness and understand the relationship between what we do here in the UK and how it affects Antarctica (and vice versa) so that they will fight to protect it.”

In the first year, Phoebe and Dwayne will be taking a group of 10 young adults to the Antarctic Peninsula, by expedition ship, Hurtigruten’s MS Fridtjof Nansen which is one of the world’s first hybrid expedition vessels, setting off in Feb 2022. This will help to ensure that the trip is as carbon negative as possible as it emits 20% less carbon than usual ships.

Due to the nature of the vessel and the extensive tree planting which was undertaken by the team before they left, the trip was carbon negative. We sponsored 4 places on the trip and also provided the team with their essential technical kit for the expedition, which was chosen for our commitment to using recycled materials, responsibly sourced. Since returning, we haves been working with Phoebe and Dwayne on a film and spreading the word about the expedition through talks.

As well as sponsoring 4 places, Craghoppers will also be supplying the team with their technical kit for the expedition including performance insulated waterproof jackets, mid and base layers, waterproof trousers, accessories and rucksacks. Phoebe and Dwayne chose Craghoppers because of our commitment to sustainability and the kit they have chosen uses recycled materials and is responsibility sourced.

Craghoppers Film Prize

As a global brand, with adventure at our heart, we wanted to create an award to encourage people from around the world to tell their stories, highlight global issues and share their opinions. We also strive to be a truly accessible brand, and we believe supporting people in creating short films is the perfect medium to share experiences. So back in 2018, with our partners at Discover.Film, we created the Craghoppers Film Prize which is the largest cash prize offered in short film.

There are several categories – First & Second prize, Documentary, Social Impact, UK and International student. Every year, the films continue to amaze. Previous winners have gone on to win a BAFTA and an OSCAR. Last year’s winners, writers and directors Tom Berkeley, and Ross White did just that with their film, An Irish Goodbye.

EOCA

CRAGHOPPERS | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | CRAGHOPPERS CARES - ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) enables conservation projects across the world to happen. There are currently nearly 160 members of this ‘not-for profit’ Association, stretching from Norway to Spain and from the UK across to the Czech Republic. As a charitable organisation directly funding specific projects, the association wants to show that the European outdoor industry is committed to putting something back into the environment, and all working together a real difference can be made. Through our membership to EOCA we can help to choose and recommend projects needing support. Since they started 16 years ago, they have supported 172 projects and raised nearly 5 million euros.

Conservation Collective

In 2023, we have partnered with Conservation Collective who build and support foundations helping local grass roots conservation work, across the world, to protect and restore nature on land and at sea.

They work towards the following environmental impacts: helping native species to thrive; preserving, protecting and regenerating natural habitats, slowing down and adapting to climate change, and reducing pollution.

Craghoppers will be championing 2 special projects in Mallorca with the Mallorca Preservation Foundation. We will be supporting the conservation of Nursehound sharks which are a vulnerable species and also protecting the extensive wetland complex in the Bay of Alcudia that provides a valuable breeding habitat for the bird populations.

Walking with the Wounded

Established in 2010, Walking With The Wounded ‘WWTW’ is a leading military charity which recognises that those who served – and their families, deserve to get back on their feet. Whether mentally, socially or physically wounded, they deserve the care, support and means they and their families need to function in society. They need to be able to serve in the communities which they live, reigniting their sense of purpose and making a positive contribution again.

WWTW do four things : employment, mental health, care coordination and volunteering - which are saving jobs, homes, relationships and lives for the veterans who are struggling since leaving the military.

Innovative partnerships with the NHS, supporting mental health teams across the UK; the creation of Project Nova with the RFEA to intercept veterans in police custody and reduce reoffending; mental health capabilities enabling 121 therapy within days; and award-winning volunteering initiative OP REGEN, are delivering significant, positive, social impacts across the UK.

We have supported WWTW projects since 2020, taking part in challenges and supporting Veteran Walks . From 2024, we will be providing much needed funding for the charity through the launch of our new Expert Workwear range.

For any further questions, please contact sustainability@craghoppers.com