Raw materials are the building blocks of our products, and we consider both environmental and social factors when selecting them. We carefully select materials based on where they come from, how they perform, and their potential impacts on people and the planet. We are also continually exploring ways to reduce environmental impacts during manufacturing. By creating garments designed to last, we aim to reduce the need for frequent replacement, helping minimize overall resource use.

By weight, almost half of the materials we use are polyester. We use synthetic materials like polyester because of their specific functional properties: they are strong, lightweight, quick-drying, and maintain their shape and performance over time. These characteristics make them well suited for training and activewear, where garments need to withstand repeated use, movement, and washing while supporting the wearer's performance. We are gradually increasing the use of recycled polyester, contributing to reduced use of virgin materials over time. Currently, 45% of the polyester we use is recycled and we aim to increase the share of recycled polyester to 80% by 2030.

In Autumn/Winter 2025, as part of Active Brands, we got certified for the Global Recycled Standard and Recycled Claim Standard:

These certifications allow us to independently verify products made with recycled materials. Over upcoming seasons, we expect an increasing number of products in our collections to be GRS- or RCS-certified.

However, we are aware that recycled synthetic materials are not without challenges, and that the conversation around them is nuanced. Questions have been raised about the sources of recycled inputs (for example, the use of PET bottles rather than textile-to-textile recycling), the shedding of microfibres during use and washing, and the end-of-life options for synthetic garments. We do not consider recycled polyester to be the final answer, and we view it as one step in a longer journey. We continuously work to explore and adopt even better solutions for our materials, including monitoring developments in textile-to-textile recycling and improved garment design that supports longer product life.

Wool is our next most used fibre, making up about one-third of the fibres in our products. We have steadily shifted toward Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool over recent years. Today, over 60% of the wool we use is RWS certified, and we are working steadily to increase that share each season.

The remainder of our merino wool is declared non-mulesed and traceable through International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) certificates. We strongly oppose mulesing, including freeze branding, and ensure that none of our merino comes from sheep subjected to these procedures. Cotton is another important fibre in our products. Approximately 65% of the cotton we use is certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. We also use Lyocell TENCEL™, a fibre made from wood pulp sourced from FSC- and/or PEFC-certified forests, and polyamide (nylon) for strength and durability. Recycled nylon currently makes up 7% of the nylon in our products, and we are working to increase that share over time.

Greenhouse gas emissions continue to contribute to climate change, and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C remains a collective challenge. At Kari Traa, we recognize the role we play in this context. From the farm level, through manufacturing, to our offices, retail stores, and transportation, producing garments has environmental consequences. We are committed to taking action to reduce these impacts and support a sustainable future for our planet.

A significant portion of our environmental impact comes from the materials we use. Therefore, this is where we’re channeling a lot of our efforts. Here are the key steps we’re taking:

1. Increasing the use of lower-impact raw materials, such as recycled and regenerative options.

2. Phasing out coal in material manufacturing and supporting suppliers in adopting clean energy sources.

3. Collaborating with suppliers, industry experts, and peers to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in the supply chain.

4. Exploring business models focused on durable, high-quality products designed for long-term use and multiple owners.

Many garments are made using animal-based materials, and animal welfare standards can vary across the industry. At Kari Traa, we consider animal welfare when sourcing these materials. When we use animal-based fibres, we aim to work with suppliers that follow recognised animal welfare standards and practices.

With a founder who has deep roots in sheep farming, animal welfare matters to us. To achieve a soft, non-itch feel in our wool products, we source merino wool mainly from New Zealand and Australia. Our goal is that all animal-derived materials in our products are certified, traceable, and aligned with the Five Freedoms for animal welfare. We strongly oppose mulesing, including freeze branding, and ensure that none of our merino wool comes from sheep subjected to these procedures: our merino wool is either declared non-mulesed through IWTO certifications and tracked via declaration forms across our supply chain, or certified under the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).

Many animal-based materials like fur and leather can be replaced by great alternatives that are not of animal-origin. We never use real fur in our products and opt for faux fur when needed. For materials such as wool and down, we select them for their functional properties, such as insulation, breathability, and comfort. We also like them because they are natural fibers that can be renewable and biodegradable under certain conditions. When sourcing animal-based materials, we prioritize suppliers that are certified according to recognized third-party standards or that follow established industry guidelines for animal welfare – read more about them below.

We use down in selected outerwear products for its lightweight and insulation properties. This down is of course sourced from ducks and geese. To support our approach to animal welfare, we require our down suppliers to be certified according to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). This certification sets requirements that prohibit practices such as live-plucking and force-feeding, and compliance is verified through third-party audits. The RDS framework also includes animal welfare criteria aligned with the internationally recognised Five Freedoms developed by the World Organisation for Animal Health:

1. Freedom from hunger, thirst, and malnutrition: Providing access to fresh water and a diet that maintains health. 

2. Freedom from discomfort: Offering a proper environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area. 

3. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease: Preventing, diagnosing, and treating health issues. 

4. Freedom to express normal behavior: Supplying enough space, suitable facilities, and the company of their own kind. 

5. Freedom from fear and distress: Ensuring conditions and treatment that prevent mental suffering. 

Many common processes and treatments in the textile industry can pose risks to the environment, to factory workers, and to communities exposed to hazardous substances. At Kari Traa, we aim to reduce these risks and take steps toward safer production practices.

We maintain strict standards across our supply chain. Here’s how we do it:

• We get others in the boat! Our suppliers are required to follow our chemical agreement, which includes compliance with applicable international and national regulations, such as REACH, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, the Biocidal Product Regulation, and the California Safer Clothes and Textile Act.

• We maintain a Restricted Substances List (RSL), which outlines substances that are restricted or prohibited in our products. Suppliers must comply with this list to help us reduce chemical risks.

Since 2013, we have been transitioning away from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, also referred to as PFC) in Dirt and Water Resistance (DWR) treatments and waterproof membranes. Today, all our products use PFAS-free DWR finishes. We have also prohibited the use of antibacterial treatments in our products. These measures are intended to reduce chemical risks and support safer production for workers, consumers, and the environment.