Equip Outdoor Technologies, which owns outdoor brands Rab and Lowe Alpine, has become B Corp-certified.
The group announced the news yesterday (30 April), saying becoming B Corp-certified highlighted its long-term commitment to responsible growth.
The B Corp movement positions itself as helping business be a force for good. To gain the certification, businesses much be verified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, and meet high standards in social and environmental performance, as well as transparency and accountability.
Now it is B Corp-certified, Equip Outdoor Technologies has been recognised for how it operates as a whole, including across governance, workers, community, environment and customers. This accreditation is not simply recognising one initiative or product range.
Richard Leedham, CEO of Equip Outdoor Technologies, remarked: “Becoming a B Corp is a proud moment for us, it’s a recognition of a journey we’ve been on for a very long time.
“Our commitment to responsible manufacturing, safer chemistry, transparent and robust supply‑chain partnerships, and long‑term thinking has shaped our decisions for decades. This certification doesn’t change who we are – it confirms it.”
The company is also a member of Fair Wear, a movement dedicated to improving conditions for workers in garment factories. In addition, Equip Outdoor Technologies is a Bluesign System Partner, which means it focuses on ensuring safe chemistry, environmental protection, and worker safety across the business.
The retail group also launched Material Facts, so its customers can find the raw data about how its products are made and what they are made with, allowing consumers to make informed choices when buying their gear.
As part of becoming B Corp-certified, Equip underwent an independent assessment by B Lab and it has now updated its articles of association to reflect its commitment to people, the planet and long‑term business resilience alongside the core retail driver of making a profit.
[image credit: Equip Outdoor Technologies]
