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Our Impact

The outdoors transforms us. We’re liberated, challenged, revived, and gosh darn happier when we get some fresh air in our lungs. Getting out there is the core of Kathmandu and the reason we exist. So, we want to do all we can to protect those outdoors, but the truth is, our industry is taxing on the environment.  

We’re working hard to flip those negative impacts into positive ones. From close relationships with our factories and exploring recycled and responsible material options, to designing durable products with circularity in mind, we’re working on solutions for the future. 

Keep scrolling to learn about our current certifications, and our list of preferred materials.

Our certifications, memberships, and partnerships

These third-party accreditations ensure we exceed global standards for environmental, animal, and social wellbeing.

B Corp Logo
B Corp Certification

Fast becoming a global signpost for leadership in environmental and social impact, that little encircled 'B' is a way for consumers to instantly recognise that the organisations they buy from are part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact.

For an organisation to be B Corp Certified, they have to be audited by B Lab - a third-party, non-profit organisation that is transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.

Better Cotton Partnership

Better Cotton is a non-profit that works to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment. Cotton fibres used in our Better Cotton products are sourced via a system of mass balance and therefore may not contain Better Cotton, but help smallholders, farm workers, and farming communities have a voice in their industry’s practices. To learn more about our partnership, visit our Better Cotton page.

bluesign® Partnership

Products carrying the bluesign® label are made using approved chemicals and raw materials. They are produced in a resource-conserving way with minimum impact on people and the environment.  

Upparel® Partnership

We’re excited to be partnering with Upparel and its In-store Bins initiative. UPPAREL is Australia's most trusted, transparent and traceable textile recovery and recycling company, with a mission to eradicate textile waste globally.

Responsible Down Standard Certification

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certifies down and feathers against animal welfare requirements and tracks it from farm to final product. We understand the down supply chain is complex. Through Responsible Down Standard certification, we are able to independently certify the down and feathers used in our products against animal welfare requirements, with tracking from farm to final product. 

100% of our down has been RDS certified since 2016. 

Responsible Wool Standard Certification

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) aims to improve the welfare of sheep and the land they graze on. 

By 2025 we aim for 100% of our wool to be Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified.

Our materials

FY23 Fibre Mix

For the financial year 2023, the fibre use across Kathmandu Brand Apparel and Equipment products comprised of 95% synthetic fibres and 5% Natural Fibres. Within this, over 35% of total fibre use come from recycled sources and 38% are preferred fibres.

Row Labels Total Yardage Percentage of Total Use
Nylon 35207138 34.1%
Recycled Polyester  28963241 28.1%
Polyester  24171747 23.4%
Recycled Nylon 6692066 6.5%
Polypropylene 2574937 2.5%
BCI Cotton  2063194 2.0%
Merino Wool 1703209 1.7%
Organic Cotton  1074572 1.0%
Elastane 467598 0.5% 
Polyethylene 129767 0.1%
Bio3 Polyester  44686 0.04%
Hemp 39071 0.04%
Cotton 30096 0.03%
RWS Wool 17343 0.02%
Lyocell 9269 0.01%
Fairtrade Cotton 2927 0.003%
Polyurethane 2053 0.002%
Total 103192914  

In FY23, Kathmandu ordered 3,841,203 units of apparel, footwear and equipment. *

*this figure excludes 3rd party brand products, lighting, drink bottles and other hardgoods.

Learn more