Bolzano, IT: The Oberalp Group sets itself an ambitious goal: the mountain sports-focused company aims to achieve the status of a “Net Zero Company” by 2050.“We are facing major challenges such as climate change that will shape our shared future. That’s why we are committed to measuring, analysing, and reducing our emissions,” says Ruth Oberrauch, Vice President of the Oberalp Group and Head of Sustainability. The Group intends to achieve this through the continuous reduction of CO₂ emissions across all products, supply chains, processes, and brands – not just by relying on offsetting. “We have initially excluded the quick fix of compensation for our engagement in this area,” explains Oberrauch. “We want to address the causes directly, and only at the end of this action plan will we see what emissions remain on the way to Net Zero. These will likely have to be offset, ideally through long-term carbon capture projects.” With its brands SALEWA, DYNAFIT, WILD COUNTRY, LaMunt, POMOCA, and EVOLV, Oberalp is focusing on lower-impact materials, expanding repair services, and strengthening both social and environmental standards throughout the supply chain.

Transport’s Role in CO₂ Emissions Overestimated – Circularity Is Key

In 2024, the Oberalp Group expanded its emissions analysis beyond its sites to cover the entire supply chain, for the first time including Scope 3 categories: the greenhouse gas emissions along the value chain that the company does not directly control. Partial results were recently published in the CSR report Contribute 2024. The basis for this is data compiled through a complex calculation process by the Group’s Life Cycle Assessment Analyst, Georg Thaler, resulting in a status quo report. One thing becomes clear: there is no way around the principle of circularity.

“The more comprehensive measurement of our CO₂ footprint allows us to identify those areas in the company that must be addressed first on the path to Net Zero. How we develop our products, and which materials

we use, and the energy required to produce them are far more important than where production takes place,” says Oberalp Group CEO Christoph Engl about the published results. Transport, he notes, is far less CO₂-relevant than commonly assumed, while the longevity and recyclability of products have a far greater impact. The key is to make circularity the standard for all product development within the company. The internal results thus confirm previous assumptions: the largest share of emissions comes from the products themselves.

SALEWA Climbing Helmet as an Example of Circular Design

As early as 2022, Oberalp had developed a “Circular Design Guide,” which has been applied by all development departments. The Contribute Report can now showcase the first mountain sports products produced in line with this guideline. It is the first time that, for example, recycled plastic was used to make a lightweight in-mold climbing helmet that conforms to the highest levels of safety and protection. All other parts of the SALEWA Aria helmet – from the padding to the lamp clip – are replaceable and available as spare parts.

Taking Responsibility for the Supply Chain – another Step Further

Contribute goes beyond product, as Oberalp also works to improve labour conditions along its value chain. This includes integrating Human Rights Due Diligence into supplier selection and monitoring and partnering with companies that share a commitment to safety, fairness, and progress. All suppliers must commit to the Responsible Business Conduct Policy, which now forms the foundation for all existing guidelines – from the Code of Conduct to the Chemical and Environmental Policies – and applies to every product division.

In 2023, Oberalp joined the Employment Injury Scheme pilot project in Bangladesh. This initiative, led by the International Labour Organization, provides financial security for workers and their families following workplace accidents, by compensating lost income in cases of permanent disability and offering support in the event of death.

The Social Report 2024, published alongside Contribute, examines both potential and actual human rights risks and describes how Oberalp works to prevent and address negative impacts throughout its supply chain.

Nothing Works Without Close Collaboration

“Of course, we make sure that Oberalp and our products comply with evolving regulations,” assures Alexandra Letts, Manager of Sustainability Compliance & Strategy at the Group. “But our ambition goes further: to truly contribute means acting faster, moving boldly, and tackling challenges together with others.”

Across all categories – from ice axes to down jackets – Oberalp produces 42% of its mountain sports equipment in Europe, 2% in the Middle East, and 56% in the Far East. The company has long-standing relationships with many of its 129 suppliers in 23 countries and relies on durable partnerships. Letts explains, “Without close cooperation with our development partners, manufacturers, and raw material suppliers, we cannot achieve our Net Zero goal”.

“Contribute 2024” was prepared according to the GRI Universal Standards and is available online here.