responsibility

Nestled in the Dolomites—at the southern foot of the Alps—every employee at Salewa holds fast to a singular belief: as a brand dedicated to mountain sports, the protection of the mountains themselves constitutes our most fundamental mission. This profound sense of responsibility toward the natural world is deeply woven into every decision and every product of Salewa and its parent company, the Oberalp Group.

In its selection of materials, Salewa is committed to minimizing environmental impact at the source. The brand extensively incorporates low-carbon materials—such as hemp fibers, Tencel, renewable wool, and recycled polyester—into its products. Furthermore, it actively promotes the use of TirolWool® and locally sourced wool to bolster regional economies and support biodiversity. Since 2019, the brand has revolutionized its shipping packaging; eschewing traditional plastics, it has transitioned to "grass boxes" crafted from recycled cardboard and regional grass fibers, thereby halving carbon emissions generated during the production process. Regarding specialized materials such as down and feathers, Salewa upholds the highest ethical standards, ensuring that its supply chain procures only materials certified 100% by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). This commitment strictly prohibits live-plucking and force-feeding, placing animal welfare at the forefront of its operations.

**Equally critical to the production process is the safeguarding of workers' rights and dignity.** Both the brand and the Group subject all Tier 1 manufacturing facilities to rigorous third-party audits regarding social compliance standards. As of 2024, a remarkable 91% of finished textile products originate from factories under strict monitoring or from low-risk countries. Of this volume, 81% is produced in collaboration with long-term suppliers—partners with whom the brand has maintained relationships for over five years—thereby continuously reinforcing a transparent and responsible supply chain. In recognition of its outstanding performance in the realm of social compliance, Salewa has repeatedly been awarded "Leader" status by the Fair Wear Foundation.

To combat climate change, Salewa has outlined an ambitious roadmap: it aims to halve both direct and indirect emissions across its entire value chain by 2030, ultimately achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Its parent company, the Oberalp Group, plans to join the "Race to Zero" campaign by 2025 and intends to secure validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) by 2027. Even more encouraging is Salewa’s shift from a production-centric mindset toward a circular economy model. The brand-new Salewa store in Bolzano has launched a "Circular Experience" initiative, offering consumers expert product repairs, second-hand gear buyback, and high-quality rental services. The Aria helmet, in particular, embodies this profound commitment to the future: meticulously crafted from recycled plastics, every single component—from the internal padding to the headlamp clips—is replaceable. This design ensures the product can accompany climbers for a much longer time, serving as a sincere testament to Salewa’s dedication to giving back to the mountains and fostering a sustainable, perpetual cycle.