Outdoor Industry Association Releases Inaugural Sustainability Impact Report, Highlighting Industry Resilience and Collaborative Progress in 2025

April 22, 2026

Report showcases expanded member engagement, landmark collaborations, and new resources amid a challenging year for the outdoor industry

BOULDER, COLORADO (April 22, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today released its first-ever Sustainable Business Innovation Impact Report, a comprehensive look at how OIA supported its members with their sustainability goals in 2025.

The 2025 Impact Report captures a year defined by both challenge and collaboration. As the outdoor industry navigated unprecedented tariffs, economic pressure, and mounting compliance obligations, OIA’s sustainability programs saw notable growth in member engagement, with more than 500 individuals from 118 companies actively participating throughout the year.

“It was, by many measures, a challenging year for the outdoor industry,” said Julie M.H. Brown, Senior Director of Industry Impact and Engagement at OIA. “But even in challenging circumstances, we saw member engagement in OIA’s sustainability programs strengthen. In tough times, industry collaboration is not only more efficient, but also more effective. The willingness of companies to collaborate rather than retreat was both inspiring and encouraging.”

Key Highlights from 2025

Over the course of the year, OIA hosted 55 task force meetings, delivered 26 webinars, launched 12 collaboration opportunities, and published 16 new resources. The organization also tracked more than 60 sustainability regulations across 30+ countries on behalf of members.

Signature accomplishments included:

• Climate: Entering its sixth year, the Climate Action Corps (CAC) published the Low Carbon Aluminum Guidebook, updated its 70+ page Climate Action Guidebook, and facilitated a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) CoLab that brought REI Co-op and Carhartt together to support 18.5 megawatts of renewable energy through a Texas solar project. The Clean Heat CoLab also released the Textile Heating Electrification Tool to help textile mills transition away from fossil fuel-based heating.
• Chemistry: The Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition (CCMC) released its foundational 70+ page guidebook, along with new reports on the Chemical Risks of Recycled Materials and Chemical Hotspots for Hardgoods. Members completed the program’s first-ever progress reports.
• Compliance: OIA significantly expanded compliance support with the release of the Guide to Comply, the Packaging EPR Compliance Guide, and new sustainability policy and bill trackers. The organization also submitted seven comment letters on behalf of the industry on issues ranging from PFAS regulations to California’s landmark climate disclosure laws.
• OIA Learning: Launched in October 2025, this new online education platform gives any employee of an OIA member organization access to sustainability courses tailored to the outdoor industry.
• Catalyst Conference: OIA’s second annual Catalyst Conference pivoted to a virtual format in response to industry travel budget constraints, drawing more than 160 attendees for sessions led by keynote speaker Dr. Jonathan Foley, Founder of Project Drawdown.

Member Voices

Member testimonials throughout the report underscore the value of OIA’s programs. Kim Drenner, Head of Environmental Impact at Patagonia, noted that the Clean Heat CoLab’s work “would not be possible if it wasn’t for the collaborative environment that OIA fosters.” Brad Boren, Chief Sustainability Officer at Norrøna, called the CCMC “invaluable” in helping the company transition out of PFAS chemistry.

Looking Ahead to 2026

OIA will continue to mobilize progress in climate and chemistry, strengthen compliance support, and scale collaborative initiatives in the year ahead. The organization is also excited to return to an in-person Catalyst Conference in Portland, Oregon, in October 2026.

“If 2025 proved our industry’s resilience, 2026 can demonstrate its leadership,” Brown added. “We are confident that together we will continue to shape a future in which thriving businesses and a thriving outdoors go hand in hand.”

The full 2025 Impact Report is available at outdoorindustry.org.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry, representing hundreds of manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and service providers. OIA’s Sustainable Business Innovation program supports members through the Climate Action Corps, the Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition, and a robust suite of compliance resources designed to advance sustainability across the outdoor industry. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Media Contact

Chris Denny / Denny, ink. / chris@dennyink.com