Royal Robbins Announces New Eco-Friendly Packaging for Spring 2008

Modesto, CA (August 9, 2007) – Royal Robbins, a brand inspired by one of the world’s greatest adventurers and environmentalist since the 1960’s, today announced a new packaging program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by the production of conventional plastic. Beginning in Spring 2008, the company will convert to plastic made from 100% corn.

Royal Robbins joins such notable companies as Newman’s Own and Wild Oats in the use of “corn plastic.” The resin, known as polylactic acid (PLA), has several advantages. It’s made from a renewable resource, and it uses 65-percent less energy than producing conventional plastics. In addition, manufacturing PLA generates 68-percent fewer greenhouse gases, and contains no toxins.

“Production of conventional plastic packaging uses hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil a day in the United States,” said Royal Robbins President Bob Orlando. “As more and more companies convert to renewable resources, we can begin to change the tide of climate change.”

Converting to PLA may also take pressure off the nation’s mounting landfills, since plastics already take up 25-percent of dumps by volume (Smithsonian, 2006). In principle, PLA is compostable, meaning that it will break down under certain conditions into harmless natural compounds.

“Our goal as a company is to convert to greener business practices all around. Packaging is an area of our business where we can affect change today,” said Orlando.

A preview of these bags are available at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Show at Royal Robbins’ booth #8017.

Royal Robbins Eco-Friendly Efforts At Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

For Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2007, Royal Robbins used Native Energy’s calculation model to estimate the travel emissions for every Royal Robbins representative traveling to the show. Royal Robbins will make a monetary donation that matches the total CO2 offsets from their employees travel. This donation will go towards building wind or removable energy facilities.

Royal Robbins is also participating in Outdoor Retailer Summer Markets “Green Steps” Program. The program encourages step by step, the spread of ecologically sound best practices throughout the outdoor industry. When retailers see a Green Step on the floor-plan or in front of a booth at the Show, they know that the company is going above and beyond basic business-as-usual, and will consider them leaders in Greening the Industry.

About Native Energy
Native Energy is a Native American, farmer-owned, community based renewable energy projects that create social, economic, and environmental benefits. www.nativeenergy.com

About Royal Robbins
Royal Robbins, one of the world’s greatest adventurers, founded the Modesto-based company in 1968. Royal and his wife Liz started the company to provide high-quality clothing and gear for the outdoors. All items were inspired by the vast beauty and freedom of their outdoor experiences. Because they truly lived their lifestyle, there was no division between performance and casual items. All clothing would be both functional as well as stylish. Royal Robbins continues their commitment to create innovative outdoor apparel, with the performance and multi-function necessary for today’s high adventure lifestyle. For more information please visit www.royalrobbins.com