Berghaus USA Introduces Made Kind Manufacturing and Colourkind Process

Further investing in, and pioneering the manufacturing of products with a lower environmental impact, Berghaus has launched the Made Kindlabelto identify the performance gear it makes that is kinder to the planet. 

Made Kind

Berghaus continues to make significant progress in its ongoing program to eliminate harmful substances from the brand’s supply chain, and Spring/Summer 2016 marks the launch of Made Kind, fabrics and technologies that combine high performance with low environmental impact, whether through more eco-friendly materials or improved processes. 

To earn the Made Kind tag, Berghaus products must meet at least one of three criteria: be made out of a bluesign® approved fabric; be made using Berghaus’ award winning Colourkind colouring process; or be made using recycled materials.

Berghaus has placed a particular focus on reducing fresh water use in product manufacture, recognizing the increasing pressure that is being put on this limited resource by growing populations and industrialization. This was highlighted by the most recent World Economic Forum, which put water scarcity at the top of its global risk ranking for 2015. 

ColourKind

The proprietary Colourkind process adds color to the polymer melt before it is extruded into fibres, eliminating the stages of standard textile production that consume the largest quantities of water and generate the most pollutants, resulting in a higher quality fabric with improved color fastness. The Colourkind process reduces fresh water consumption by 89% versus standard dyeing, as well as CO2 emissions by 62%, chemical use by 63%, and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) by 67%. Thanks to Colourkind, Berghaus has estimated that it saved 1,000,000 litres of water from its production process in the SS15 season.

Colourkind is featured in extensions to the Explorer ECO line, along with a wide selection of nylon and polyester wovens and knits, including t-shirts and polo shirts incorporating Berghaus’ proven ARGENTIUM® technology.

bluesign®

In May 2015 Berghaus announced that it had joined the international bluesign® system, as the UK’s first outdoor brand to invest in being accepted as a bluesign System Partner. Led by corporate sustainability officer Elaine Gardiner, the brand has worked with bluesign® and its supply chain to ensure that its products meet demanding requirements in terms of hazardous substances, worker safety and environmental protection. Berghaus is aiming for 70% of its products to contain a bluesign® approved fabric by spring/summer 2016.

About Berghaus:

Celebrating their 50th year anniversary in 2016, Berghaus has created generations of market-making, iconic products that have led the way for others to follow. That innovation legacy continues today withMtnHaus, our UK based engineering team, which has achieved multi-award winning, world’s first, world’s only, world’s lightest and environmentally conscious outdoor apparel and gear. Expedition tested by its team of professional athletes, mountain guides and every day adventurers from legendary English climber Sir Chris Bonnington, and his lifetime of Himalayan accomplishments, to world adventurer Leo Houlding and his recent first ascent of the NE ridge of Ulvetanna in Antarctica, athletes rely on Berghaus kit to perform from the in the highest reaches of the globe to everyday walks in the park. Live for Adventure. Visit berghaus.com for more information.