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 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.