Understanding REI’s Product Sustainability Standards: Building a Better Outdoor Industry

REI is a critical player in the outdoor retail industry, and its focus reaches far beyond selling gear; it’s dedicated to advancing sustainability within the industry. Because of this, REI developed its Product Sustainability Standards—a set of guidelines regarding sustainability and good working conditions that each of its thousand-plus brand partners must meet. But what do these standards entail, and why do they matter?

The Vision Behind REI’s Standards

REI introduced its Product Sustainability Standards to align the company’s policies with its broader environmental and social values in 2018.  These standards set clear expectations for their partners to ensure sustainable and ethical production, aiding brands to improve their environmental footprint and labor practices. REI’s utilization of these standards helps build a sustainable future for the outdoors they– and their customers– are passionate about.

Elements of REI’s Standards

REI’s standards cover three main pillars: environmental impact, fair and safe supply chains, and animal welfare. Each pillar reflects REI’s commitment to holistic sustainability, recognizing that to protect the outdoors, it’s crucial to consider both environmental and human impacts.

1. Environmental Impact: REI pushes its partners to minimize waste, water use, and carbon emissions, as well as to adopt circular economy principles like durability and recyclability. For example, brands are encouraged to use materials with lower environmental impacts, such as recycled or responsibly sourced textiles, and reduce harmful chemicals in production.
2. Fair and Safe Supply Chains: To improve conditions for workers, REI requires that brands meet or exceed legal labor standards, promote safe working conditions, and support workers’ rights. This includes measures to prevent child labor, forced labor, and discrimination within the workplace. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where all workers are treated with dignity and respect.
3. Animal Welfare: For brands that source animal-derived materials, REI expects that they meet specific welfare standards to prevent cruelty. They prioritize materials like certified wool, which ensures that sheep are raised and sheared humanely.

Why This Matters for the Outdoor Industry

With a growing demand for sustainable products, REI’s standards are crucial in setting the bar for the entire industry. By requiring partner brands to take clear steps, REI uses its dominating position to create a ripple effect across the sector, raising the baseline for what consumers should expect from outdoor gear and apparel. This benefits everyone—from the workers producing the products to the consumers looking for gear they can feel good about purchasing.

As consumers demand sustainable and ethical products, REI’s standards play a critical role in setting the standard for the outdoor industry. By requiring partner brands to meet specific demands,