EOG president speaks out on sustainability
European Outdoor Group president, Rolf Schmid, has given an interview focusing on sustainability ahead of the 15th OutDoor trade show taking place in Friedrichshafen, Germany, July 17-20, the theme for which is 'The Challenge of Sustainability'.
When asked how he defines sustainability in relation to the outdoor industry, Mr Schmid said: "Increasing concerns about climate change and, for instance, factory working conditions are clear signals that the outdoor industry needs to take its ecological and social responsibilities more seriously."
In terms of the kinds of products that best balance the demand for sustainability and quality, he said: "The quickly growing so-called LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) consumer segment should encourage the industry to develop high-quality, innovative products and services that meet the demands of this new environmentally and socially conscious clientele.
"After all, sustainability mustn’t come at the expense of quality. There are already such standards and interesting products out there like bluesign, organic cotton and sustainability-oriented recycled materials. These kinds of things are going to have an ever-increasing market presence."
With regard to EOG's role, Mr Schmid said: "Efforts like the Association for Conservation are important measures to sensitise the industry and move it in the sustainability direction. The EOG can also coordinate incentives and motivate more of its members to commit themselves to addressing social and ecological issues.
"Verifying sustainability is one of the industry’s biggest challenges. Just as with any social change or trend that offers commercial opportunities, there are companies out there wrapping themselves in green just to make a fast buck from the buzz about sustainability.”
