Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd., which owns British outdoor brands Rab and Lowe Alpine, has announced a new partnership with bluesign, securing System Partner status following their recent brand assessment. The accreditation is only awarded to those who meet the strict safety and environmental requirements of the bluesign System.
Barbara Oswald, chief commercial officer at bluesign, said: “We are delighted to welcome Equip Outdoor Technologies and their iconic brands Rab and Lowe Alpine as bluesign System Partner. Their deep commitment to responsible production and product integrity aligns perfectly with our mission to drive industry-wide transformation toward safer, more sustainable, and circular practices. Together, we look forward to accelerating meaningful change, ensuring that every step, from design to finished product, respects both people and planet.”
bluesign provides a framework for responsible manufacturing, with criteria covering chemical use, environmental performance, and resource efficiency throughout the supply chain. The collaboration supports Equip’s commitment to responsible production practices and transparency, following their successful transition to PFAS-free technologies in AW25 after a 10+ year roadmap. Rab has removed all intentionally added PFAS from their AW25 range and is working in compliance with current EU and US legislation.
Tim Fish, Equip’s product director, said: “Our collaboration with bluesign solidifies the importance we place on chemical management and the high standards we hold within our supply chain. After successfully removing all intentionally added PFAS from our ranges in AW25 this felt like the natural next step, giving us heightened visibility of fabrics and components in our supply chain that are free from potentially hazardous chemicals.”
Following the assessment, Equip will create a roadmap for certifying products and more components using the bluesign criteria in future seasons. Chemical management is part of the brand’s broader non-GHG environmental strategy alongside water use, wastewater and energy consumption, with metrics included in their 2025 Sustainability Report for the first time. The business will continue to work with manufacturing partners and ingredient brands to drive cleaner, lower-impact production throughout its supply chain.
