Jack Wolfskin steps up realizing pollutant-free products

The high demands that the outdoor specialist already places on products and suppliers are therefore set to intensify. Jack Wolfskin is taking a step-by-step approach towards achieving a pollutant-free supply chain by 2020.

A significant component regarding the tightening up of binding rules specified in the Green Book, the company’s Restricted Substances List (RSL), is the explicit ban on many chemicals. Naturally occurring trace contaminants, or those which are unavoidable as a result of the steps further up the supply chain, are the only exceptions to this.

Jack Wolfskin’s requirements are largely based on the best available technologies, and all suppliers are contractually obliged to uphold them. Jack Wolfskin ensures these demands are being met by carrying out random spot checks with help from independent, accredited laboratories.

In addition to the ban on certain substances and a complete restructure, the Green Book also contains a series of even lower limits. Jack Wolfskin has already set a precedent with changes such as those regarding the use of phthalate. The company has reduced the limit previously based on the definition provided by the REACh regulation from 1,000 mg/kg to a maximum of 50 mg/kg per trace contaminant.

The general ban on allergenic and carcinogenic disperse dyes is still in place. Jack Wolfskin has, however, adjusted its limit in line with the current state of analytics from 5 to 1.0 mg/l.

By publishing a detailed schedule in spring, Jack Wolfskin cemented its status as an industry pioneer in the environmentally friendly management of chemicals. The company has extended its current responsibility for the product to include comprehensive responsibility for its production and has made a commitment to transparency with regard to the use of chemicals throughout the supply chain.

Jack Wolfskin aims to avoid all harmful substances, including fluorinated compounds, in its production processes by 2020. Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht and Fresenius University of Applied Sciences are collaborating with Jack Wolfskin.

Functionality, quality and innovation for people who are at home outdoors

Jack Wolfskin is one of the leading providers of functional outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment in Europe and the largest franchisor in the German specialist sports retail market. Jack Wolfskin products are currently available in more than 600 franchise stores and at over 4,000 points of sale across Europe and Asia.

Jack Wolfskin products feature a high degree of functionality, user-friendliness and innovation. In recent years, Jack Wolfskin has successfully introduced numerous material and product innovations. The company is a member of Fair Wear Foundation and a bluesign system partner. Jack Wolfskin has also been a member of the "Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals" programme since 2012.

Jack Wolfskin is the official sponsor of the Austria Ski Team Nordic and Alpinschule Innsbruck. In the 2012 calendar year, the company recorded sales revenue of €351 million. Jack Wolfskin GmbH & Co. KGaA is headquartered in Idstein in Taunus and employs 700 people.

Jack Wolfskin