Outerknown is a sustainable lifestyle brand founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater and acclaimed designer John Moore. The brand is committed to making high-quality, long lasting, and sustainable clothing that is good for people and planet.

History

Outerknown was founded in 2015 by Kelly Slater and John Moore. Slater is a 11-time world champion surfer and Moore has previously worked for brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. The two met through their shared passion for surfing and sustainability, deciding to create a brand that would combine their two passions.

Mission

Outerknown’s mission is to make “excellent-quality, sustainable products that last a lifetime, keeping our garments out of landfills and in the loop forever.” The brand is committed to using sustainable materials and practices throughout its supply chain.

Products

Outerknown offers a wide range of sustainable clothing for men and women, including surfboards, wetsuits, apparel, and accessories. The brand’s clothing is made from a variety of natural and sustainable materials, including , organic cotton, Tencel, and hemp. Outerknown also partners with sustainable factories and suppliers to ensure that its products are made in an environmentally responsible way.

Sustainability

Outerknown is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. The brand uses a variety of sustainable practices throughout its supply chain, including:

• Using natural and sustainable materials,
• Partnering with sustainable factories and suppliers
• Reducing water usage and waste
• Using renewable energy
• Supporting ocean conservation organizations

Giving back

Outerknown is committed to giving back to the community. The brand donates a portion of its profits to ocean conservation organizations and other environmental causes.

Challenges

Outerknown faces a number of challenges in its mission to make sustainable clothing. These include:

• The cost of sustainable materials can be higher than traditional materials
• There is a lack of awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry
• It can be difficult to find sustainable factories and suppliers

Successes

Outerknown has been successful in its mission to produce more sustainable clothing and seek out processes that minimise the companies impact. The brand has been praised for its high-quality products, its commitment to sustainability, and its giving back initiatives. Outerknown has also been recognized by a number of organizations for its sustainability efforts, including the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and the Fair Labor Association.

The partnership with the FLA has helped to improve the lives of many garment workers in Outerknown’s supply chain. For example, in one factory in Cambodia, the FLA found that wages had increased by 20% since Outerknown began working with the organization. The factory also implemented a range of new safety measures, protecting the wellbeing of all employees.

Other Successes

• 95% of the fibers used by Outerknown are either organic, recycled, or regenerated. This means that the company is using materials that are produced in a more sustainable way, with less impact on the environment.
• Outerknown has saved over 1 million pounds of water. Water is a precious resource, and by using recycled materials, Outerknown is helping to conserve it.
• The company has planted over 100,000 trees through its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. Trees help to clean the air and provide shade, so this is a significant contribution to the environment.
• Outerknown has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities that support sustainable development. This includes organizations that are working to protect the oceans, conserve forests, and reduce poverty.

In addition to these statistics, Outerknown also has a number of other sustainability goals, including:

• Becoming fully circular by 2030
• Reducing its water usage by a further 50% by 2025
• Increasing the amount of recycled materials in its products to 100% by 2030
• Working to ensure that all of its suppliers meet its sustainability standards

Future

Outerknown is committed to continuing to make sustainable clothing and to making a positive impact on the environment. The brand plans to continue to develop new sustainable materials and practices, and to educate consumers about the importance of sustainability. With continued innovation and commitment, Outerknown has the potential to become a sustainable fashion brand that writes the blueprint for the future of the industry.

Key Points

• Outerknown’s commitment to transparency: The brand publishes a list of its suppliers and their environmental ratings on its website.
• Outerknown’s commitment to innovation: The brand is constantly developing new sustainable materials and practices. For example, they recently introduced a new line of clothing made from recycled plastic bottles.
• Outerknown’s commitment to community: The brand partners with a number of organizations to support ocean conservation and other environmental causes.

Summary

Outerknown is a leading brand in the sustainable fashion movement. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and its high-quality products have made it a popular choice among surfers and other outdoor enthusiasts. With continued innovation and commitment, Outerknown has the potential to become the leading sustainable fashion brand.