Discover the Spirit of Adventure with Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi, a brand that epitomizes the spirit of adventure, embarks on a journey to make a lasting impact on the world. Founded with a commitment to people and the planet, Cotopaxi is not just a company; it's a force for good. The brand's story began with the vision to create high-quality gear that not only serves the needs of outdoor enthusiasts but also contributes to positive change. From the onset, Cotopaxi has embraced a mission to explore the world and leave it in a better state than they found it.

Sustainable Ethics at the Core

Cotopaxi stands out not only for its durable and sustainably made products but also for its unwavering commitment to ethical practices. The brand has ingrained sustainability into its DNA, weaving it into every aspect of its operations. The Cotopaxi Foundation, the impact arm of the company, plays a pivotal role in this commitment. Through the foundation, Cotopaxi channels at least 1% of its annual revenue into grants for nonprofits working to alleviate extreme poverty, particularly in Latin America. The focus on health, education, and livelihood aligns with MIT's Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) categories that hold high potential for poverty alleviation.

Cotopaxi is not just a bystander in the journey towards sustainability; it actively engages in partnerships and initiatives that drive positive change. As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, the brand dedicates a minimum of 1% of its annual revenue to causes supporting a healthier planet for all. The company's impact partners, carefully selected based on extensive research, receive multi-year grants to implement programs that create lasting impact in communities facing poverty.

The Journey to B Corp Recertification

A testament to its commitment to being a force for good, Cotopaxi celebrates its eighth year of being B Corp certified. The B Corp certification, a recognition bestowed upon businesses committed to bettering people and the planet, requires companies to demonstrate a net positive impact across various facets. The B Corp score, a performance indicator derived from the B Impact Assessment, reflects Cotopaxi's dedication to governance, workers, community, the environment, and customers. With a current B Corp score of 125.6, surpassing the average range of 80-100, Cotopaxi showcases significant improvement over the years, with a particular focus on Workers, Environment, and Customer categories.

In the pursuit of constant improvement, Cotopaxi recognizes its biggest opportunity lies in the Environment category. The brand is actively working on reduction mapping, decarbonizing its supply chain, and incorporating even more sustainable materials into its products. The journey towards becoming a better, more sustainable brand is a continuous one for Cotopaxi, fueled by the desire to amplify its mission and take responsibility for any negative impacts on the planet.

Climate Neutral Certified: Measuring, Reducing, and Compensating

Beyond B Corp certification, Cotopaxi takes additional steps to ensure it leaves a minimal carbon footprint. Climate Neutral, a nonprofit organization, assists companies in measuring, reducing, and offsetting their carbon emissions. Cotopaxi's commitment to climate neutrality involves a meticulous three-step process. Firstly, the brand measures emissions across all its activities, encompassing direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions from energy consumption (Scope 2), and all other indirect emissions in the supply chain (Scope 3). In 2022, Cotopaxi's total carbon footprint stood at 30,704 tCO2e.

With a reduction plan aligned with the Science Based Target Initiative, Cotopaxi is actively working on decarbonizing its supply chain, integrating circular materials, and eliminating single-use plastics. The final step involves compensating for the remaining carbon footprint by purchasing carbon offsets from verified projects. Cotopaxi's selection of projects includes initiatives like the Unitor REDD+ Project in Brazil, Agrocortex Forestry in Brazil, Manantiales Behr Wind Farm, and Xinyang MSW Landfill LFG Recovery to Power Project in China.

Cotopaxi's journey towards climate neutrality is a testament to its dedication to immediate and complete responsibility for its environmental impact. By involving third-party verification, the brand ensures that it not only meets its sustainability goals but also contributes to the global movement towards a more eco-conscious future.

Do Good Ambassadors: Inspiring Change Globally

Further amplifying its impact, Cotopaxi introduces its Do Good Ambassadors for 2023. This diverse group of mentors, humanitarians, environmentalists, creators, and community leaders embodies the brand's commitment to making a positive impact on the world. From authors and surfers to artists and thru-hikers, each ambassador brings a unique perspective and passion for addressing social and environmental challenges. Cotopaxi's Do Good Ambassador Program serves as an extension of the brand, celebrating the passions, stories, advocacies, and efforts of individuals who share the common goal of doing good for the planet and its people.

In conclusion, Cotopaxi is not just a brand; it's a movement. A movement towards sustainable practices, ethical business, and a world where adventure and positive change go hand in hand. With a foundation built on giving back, reducing its carbon footprint, and inspiring change through ambassadors, Cotopaxi invites everyone to join in the mission of exploring the world and leaving it a little better than we found it.