Social Responsibility

The "green" trend is no longer just a trend; it is a way of life and of business for a growing number of brands. Social responsibility and conscious consumerism are changing the buying decisions for many of today's consumers. The theme of social responsibility is being embraced beyond just core outdoor brands and consumers. Greater awareness of global diversity and economic disparity has become a virtual pop culture phenomenon. The use of organic fabrics, recycled materials, and an awareness of the environment in which garments are manufactured all characterize this growing category.

For example, the outdoor specialists at Eider entered into a partnership with Max Havelaar in 2004 in which Eider is able to offer products using raw materials (cotton harvested in West Africa) bought directly from the producers at above-average prices, guaranteeing the producers a decent income irrespective of worldwide rates. The goal is to enable producers to cover production costs and improve their living conditions.