Trespass

Introduction

Trespass is a British outdoor clothing and equipment brand founded in 1938 in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, by the Smith family. Initially starting as a small company specializing in the production of outdoor gear, Trespass has grown into a well-recognized name in the outdoor adventure community. The founders, driven by a passion for the outdoors, sought to create affordable yet high-performance clothing that is accessible to all, regardless of skill level or experience.

The philosophy behind Trespass centers around the enjoyment of outdoor adventures and the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to explore nature comfortably and confidently. This is reflected in their commitment to creating innovative and functional products that cater to diverse activities, from hiking and skiing to camping and mountaineering. The brand emphasizes sustainability and quality, aiming to minimize environmental impact while ensuring durability and performance in their offerings.

What makes Trespass special is its ability to balance affordability with quality and innovation. The brand has built a reputation for producing reliable products that cater to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. By continuously adapting to the needs of its customers and staying ahead of market trends, Trespass has developed a loyal customer base and remains a go-to brand for adventure seekers looking for value without compromising on performance.

Signature Products

Trespass offers a variety of products that help define the brand and its dedication to outdoor activities. Each product reflects the values of quality, performance, and affordability, making outdoor experiences more accessible to everyone.

• Waterproof Jackets : Lightweight and breathable jackets designed to keep you dry in wet conditions while allowing freedom of movement.
• Thermal Base Layers : Designed to provide warmth and comfort, these base layers wick moisture away, ensuring you stay warm and dry during activities.
• Outdoor Footwear : Durable and reliable footwear suitable for various terrains, providing comfort and support whether on a hike or during casual outdoor activities.
• Camping Gear : A range of tents, sleeping bags, and accessories crafted to ensure a good night’s sleep and a comfortable camping experience.
• Ski Wear : Specialized clothing designed to withstand harsh winter conditions, combining insulation with waterproof technology for ultimate performance on the slopes.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Trespass

• Polyester : This is a synthetic fabric known for its durability and resistance to shrinking and stretching. Trespass employs polyester in outdoor garments, as it helps in wicking moisture away from the body while retaining heat, making it ideal for active wear in varying weather conditions.
• Cotton : Cotton is a natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and comfortable against the skin. Trespass uses cotton in its casual wear and layering pieces, providing comfort and versatility for everyday use as well as in milder weather.
• Wool : Wool is a natural fiber known for its excellent insulation and moisture-wicking properties. Trespass incorporates wool in their thermal products, offering warmth and comfort, especially in colder environments, while also being naturally odor-resistant.
• Water : While not a textile material, water is a crucial component in the processing and treatment of fabrics. Trespass uses water in garment production and finishing processes, enhancing the performance of the materials in terms of breathability and water resistance.
• Polyamide : This synthetic fiber, often known as nylon, is recognized for its strength and elasticity. Trespass uses polyamide to create lightweight, durable products that provide flexibility and resistance to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-performance outdoor activities.
• Down : Down is the soft, fluffy undercoating found beneath the feathers of ducks and geese. Trespass utilizes down insulation in their jackets and sleeping bags for its excellent thermal properties, providing warmth without adding excessive weight, making it ideal for winter outdoor adventures.
• Merino Wool : Merino wool is a premium type of wool known for its fine fibers, softness, and moisture management. Trespass integrates merino wool into their base layers and mid-layers, offering superior temperature regulation and comfort, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Trespass

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration:

Non-renewable Resource Usage:

Polyester and polyamides like nylon are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Extracting and processing petroleum contributes heavily to environmental degradation, including oil spills and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the high energy requirement in the production of these materials increases their carbon footprint, contributing to climate change impact. For example, the production of synthetic fibers is energy-intensive, with polyester production alone accounting for a significant percentage of the annual global oil consumption.

Water Usage and Scarcity:

Cotton production is extremely water-intensive, often requiring thousands of liters of water per kilogram of cotton produced. This can contribute to water scarcity in already water-stressed regions, affecting both ecosystems and human populations. The Aral Sea is a prime example where extensive cotton farming significantly reduced water levels, disrupting local climates and economies. Additionally, water is heavily used and polluted in textile dyeing and finishing processes, leading to environmental concerns.

Microplastic Pollution:

Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon shed microfibers during washing, which subsequently enter waterways and oceans. These microplastics accumulate in marine environments, affecting aquatic ecosystems and entering food chains, which can adversely impact marine and human health. Studies have highlighted how microplastic ingestion has been found in marine life and correlates with reductions in reproductive health and fertility.

Animal Welfare Concerns:

Materials such as wool, down, and feathers can involve animal welfare concerns. There are issues with unethical practices such as live plucking or force-feeding for down or unethical shearing practices for wool and merino wool. While many companies are moving toward ethical sourcing (e.g., RDS — Responsible Down Standard), these concerns still persist in less-regulated markets. For instance, the PETA investigation into wool farms has brought to light abusive treatment of sheep during shearing processes.

Deforestation and Land Degradation:

Viscose production can contribute to deforestation, as it traditionally relies on wood pulp derived from ancient or endangered forests. This results in habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Additionally, overgrazing by livestock for wool production can lead to land degradation and desertification. The need for sustainable forest management practices and traceable supply chains is crucial to mitigating these impacts.

Pollution from Chemical Processing:

The production of fibers like viscose and spandex involves significant chemical usage, including caustic soda and sulfuric acid. These chemicals can be harmful to the environment if not properly managed, leading to water and soil pollution. For instance, the viscose industry can release hazardous air pollutants and toxic effluents into surrounding areas if waste treatment practices are inadequate, affecting both ecosystems and local human populations.

Non-biodegradability:

Materials such as plastics and nylon do not break down easily and contribute to long-term waste in landfills and natural landscapes. This persistent presence poses significant environmental challenges, such as the increase of waste management costs and the potential harm to wildlife. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive collection of marine debris, vividly highlights the enduring issue of plastic waste in our oceans.

Through understanding these issues, brands like Trespass can take informed steps towards more sustainable and ethical production practices, while consumers can make knowledgeable choices that align with their environmental and ethical values.