Lib Tech
They have been manufacturing snowboards for the last 26 years and their objective since inception was, and still is, to be conscientious of nature as well as the environment their employees work in. To do so, they build their boards without any product that could harm either nature or humans. No toxic or petroleum based products are used during the pressing process and all the wood they used is certified FSC. All leftover materials and waste are recycled. Everything has been thought out to minimize their carbon footprint. Definitely a nice example of an inspiring company!
Patagonia
Actively engaged in being eco-friendly, Patagonia, since it’s very beginnings, has always wanted to manufacture the best products while also having as minimal an impact on the environment as possible. From resource managing to the creation of intelligent materials and technologies, this company rethinks, reinvents and innovates massively in the textile area. Bamboo becomes viscose, their neoprene is made from limestone, their down is selected according to strict criteria aimed at protecting the animals and much more. Patagonia is also a member of the Fair Labor Association that promotes acquiring and then maintaining certain levels of protection for their employees.
Picture
Newly available at Oberson, this French company manufactures its products using as much recycled, organic or organically-sourced materials as possible. From the very start of the design process, they try to maximize reutilizing and recycling as much of their production waste as possible. Also, the materials they use (like cotton) is certified organic and their polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles. Every factory associated with Picture is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation and signed the “RSL” (list of banned chemical products). When it comes to chemical products, Picture decided to stand out from 99% of its competitors by refusing to use any PFC waterepellent. Instead, they chose an alternative: Teflon EcoElite™, which is much less harmful to the environment. A fine example of a young company very much in tune with long term sustainability.
Quartz.co
The first company to offer jackets with a choice of two insulating materials: down and asclepiade. Originating from a plant that was, until recently considered a weed, research demonstrated that asclepiade had isolating properties very similar to those of traditional down. Very easy to grow here in Quebec, it’s become an interesting alternative that Quartz.co managed to exploit with great success.
Salomon et Burton
Both these companies certify a large number of their products under the Bluesign® standard which unifies their entire supply chains in order to lower any negative impacts on the planet and its denizens. Bluesign® certified products only use eco-safe chemical products and they comply with the highest norms in terms of natural resource conservation, health impacts (as much those on their clients and on their workers) as well as production processes that emit pure air and water.
At Oberson, we like to support companies that are responsible and adapt themselves in order to best preserve this magnificent environment which we so love to play in!
