With a legacy of 56 years, Royal Robbins emphasizes transparency, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction in the evolving landscape of sustainable clothing.
Clothing brand Royal Robbins, with a notable legacy of 56 years in sustainable travel gear, is addressing the pressing need for environmentally responsible apparel. The brand was established by noted climbers Royal and Elizabeth Robbins, who originated the concept of their clothing line on Half Dome. Their vision was to offer apparel for climbers and adventurers that encapsulated their adventurous spirits while promoting the principles of clean climbing, where removable and non-damaging gear is preferred to minimize harm to nature.
In its sustained efforts, the brand has embraced transparency in production, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction, setting a standard in the industry. This commitment is particularly relevant in an era where the impacts of fast fashion are increasingly scrutinized, contributing significantly to global clothing waste, estimated at 92 million tons annually. Royal Robbins counters this waste by designing durable outdoor clothing that satisfies both travelers’ needs and environmental considerations.
With two new collections aimed at outdoor enthusiasts on the horizon, Joanne Steinbauer, Royal Robbins’ senior director of product, shared insights into the brand’s ethos and sustainability measures. In a recent conversation, she outlined her journey to Royal Robbins, stating that she began her career in the fashion industry in New York, experiencing various sectors including high fashion, mass market, children’s wear, and athleisure. She remarked, “I was intrigued by Royal Robbins when looking at its amazing history and extensive industry knowledge. As an avid triathlete, Royal Robbins allowed me to combine my passions.”
Explaining the standards for partnerships, Steinbauer highlighted the strict code of conduct maintained with suppliers and vendors. “We work with a lot of different vendors when it comes to material, trim vendors, and factories. We have a very strict code of conduct. Everyone we work with adheres to the restricted substance list,” she stated. This list comprises harmful materials such as certain mercury, nickel release, and polybrominated biphenyls, ensuring safety and compliance in production. Steinbauer also mentioned their affiliation with the broader Fenix group, known for its leadership in corporate social responsibility monitoring.
Royal Robbins utilizes natural fibers including hemp, Tencel modal, and cotton, and Steinbauer elaborated on the practices surrounding these materials. She noted the company’s longstanding relationship with mills, emphasizing that the brand was among the pioneers in using hemp as a clothing fabric. Traditionally, outdoor gear relied on utilitarian yarns for durability and comfort, but with the rising focus on sustainability, hemp has become an essential consideration. She explained that hemp’s production uses less water and reduces the reliance on pesticides. “Our mills blend the hemp fibers to create the yarn we use in our clothing,” Steinbauer explained, adding that “you only need 30% hemp in a product to unlock the natural technologies that hemp provides, such as odor-blocking and temperature regulation, which are favorite features among our camping and hiking customers.”
As the demand for environmentally friendly products grows, Royal Robbins remains steadfast in leading innovations to align product offerings with sustainable practices, shaping the future of outdoor apparel while remaining true to its roots in adventure and conservation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
