Top Sustainable Products of 2023

Spoiler alert: There’s no Patagonia.

Right now, as I am writing this article, I keep staring out of my bedroom window in Japan in a trance watching the snow falling. Two thoughts come to mind - 1: I wish I were snowboarding in the fresh powder; 2: I am so lucky to be experiencing this. 

I always try to regularly remind myself to take a step back, from the desk, from a screen, from worries, and to be grateful for the environment that surrounds us. 

If you are reading this, there’s a good chance that you already love the outdoors and want to keep exploring. Now, I don’t want to get too sappy with this or too ‘looks like a PR statement’ however, it is true that our choices as consumers matter but also, the choices businesses make matter. Therefore, to help protect our planet, we should be supporting those who also care about keeping our earth vibrant. 

So, we have rounded up the top new products and brands to help you make informed choices so you can enjoy spending time in the outdoors. 

1. NNormal

 

NNormal are the new kicks on the block for Wild Earth. Created by renowned ultra-runner, Kilian Jornet, NNormal was developed not only to break boundaries in the running community but to also consider how a running brand can leave no trace. They are a certified B Corp Business and also a 1% For the Planet member, but their efforts go further. NNormal prides itself on making durable products that will last season after season with sustainable materials such as recycled polyester or sustainably sourced Merino wool. They are also working towards being completely carbon neutral including Scope 3 but in the meantime, they are transparent about the emissions of their product categories. 

The NNormal Kjerag Mens Trail Running Shoes are a favourite of ultra-athletes and Wild Earth staff with their simple yet high-performance design. 

 

2. Näak Bars

Näak Bars are also new for us in 2024, however, they have already gained some cred overseas. Näak Bars are from Canada and they were started with sustainability in mind and this has influenced their production and development. They state, “Näak is committed to making the most sustainable sports nutrition products on earth.” Although it is a weighty statement, they back it up with actions. Näak Bars are 100% plant and cricket-based protein, they are B Corp Certified and they plan to be carbon neutral and achieve 100% sustainable packaging by 2025. 

Waffles on a run? Count me in! For a tasty treat along the trail, Näak’s Ultra Energy Waffles are super tasty with a good protein-to-carbs ratio. 

 

3. Cotopaxi 

Cotopaxi’s slogan is “Gear For Good” and they prove this in multiple ways. From step one in their supply chain, Cotopaxi has implemented policies to ensure they are manufacturing goods ethically including following the UN Global Compact and Principles of Responsible Business principle. In addition, their Del Dia line takes offcuts from other manufacturers that are headed for landfill and turn them into unique pieces in their collection. By 2025, Cotopaxi plans to include recycled, repurposed, or responsibly sourced materials in all of their products. To top it off, they are also B Corp Certified, Climate Neutral Certified and are a 1% For The Planet member. 

The Cotopaxi Batac 24L Backpack is part of their Del Dia range which means every pack is unique. This backpack is great for travel, daily use or for hiking with its supportive straps. It features heaps of internal pockets for storage and a water bladder compartment. 

 

4. Ciele

Ask any runner at Wild Earth and they probably have a Ciele cap. Not only are they a favourite for their comfy and breezy design, Ciele are also playing their part in sustainable business. Ciele uses Repreve which is a recycled performance yarm made from plastic bottles to manufacture almost 100% of their headwear. Ciele is also Fair Trade Certified and their manufacturing meets Bluesign standards which ensures the exclusion of harsh chemicals during the manufacturing process. Their products meet the Global Recycled Standard and they are a B Corp Certified business.

The Ciele GOCap SC Unisex Running Cap is quick-drying, UPF 40+ rated and super breathable thanks to the COOLmatic fabric. It is also machine washable which is much needed after a long run.

 

5. Rab

Rab’s philosophy is to explore rugged, untamed and wild places with great technical gear that lasts. To do that, they understand that their impact on the environment must be reduced and they are striving for meaningful change and actions. In 2024, they plan to implement 100% renewable energy in globally owned and leased facilities (it was 80% in 2023). While doing so, they are Climate Neutral Certified and are aligned with Science-Based Targets to help minimise global warming to 1.5ºC. 

The Rab Axion Pro Down Hiking Jacket is made from 100% recycled fabrics and features 700-fill recycled down insulation to keep you warm while you enjoy the outdoors.

 

6. Kupilka

From their start in 1996, Kupilka had sustainability and eco-conscious design at the forefront of their business. Kupilka products are made with Kareline® Natural Fibre Composite material which is a combination of wood from sustainability-certified Finnish forests and an FDA-approved polypropylene used as a binding agent. Their manufacture produces zero carbon emissions due to the materials used as well as the green energy used as their energy source. 

The Kupilka 55 Soup Bowl w/ Handle is my personal favourite camping bowl. It is lightweight and easy to clean and didn’t make me feel like I was using a camping bowl at all.

 

7. XTM

 

 

XTM has been a champion of sustainability for years. Since 2008, XTM has been Carbon Neutral Certified through their partnership with Carbon Reduction Institute which is Australia’s longest-running climate change certification organisation. Also, as a member of the Climate United Pact, XTM has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 and in the meantime, has set additional targets including being landfill-free in 2023. XTM also began Heat the Homeless which is a program where pre-loved snow clothing can be donated to charities around Australia. 

The XTM Hiking Range is new this season and includes the XTM Glenaire Mens Hiking Pants and the XTM Lara Womens Hiking Pants. Both are made from 90% recycled nylon and 10% spandex for comfy stretch and are rated UPF50+ for sunny days.

 

8. Wash bloc

 

 

Wash Bloc are Australian-made hair and body products made for at home or on-the-go while limiting their impact on the environment. According to Wash Bloc, traditional hair and body wash products contain on average 70% water and Wash Bloc aims to lower water use in the manufacturing of their products by only using a minimal amount of water in their blocks. Wash Bloc also strive for low-waste with their plastic-free packaging to minimise plastic waste that heads to our oceans and impacts marine life. 

The Wash Bloc Coconut and Vanilla Solid Shampoo Bloc is made with coconut oil for ultimate hydration and argon oil for shiny hair.

 

9. Icebreaker

 

 

Icebreaker has been around for almost 30 years and sustainability was a driving force in the business from the get-go. Wanting to step away from plastic textiles, Icebreaker uses Merino in all of their product range which is certified by the ZQRX programme. In 2017, Icebreaker pledged to have 100% plastic-free fibres by 2023. Although unfortunately, that goal was not met (but they did reach 96.14%!), it should be recognised that Icebreaker provided transparency and has developed new plans to reach their goal. 

Icebreaker doesn’t just do thermal baselayers, but also a whole range of shorts, tees and tops too. The Icebreaker Merino Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Tee is made from 100% Merino wool to keep you comfortable and cool in all conditions.

 

10. Arcade

 

 

Arcade specialises in comfortable belts made to be used in the outdoors. 95% of their products are manufactured with REPREVE® yarn which is made from ocean-bound plastic bottles. Arcade addresses that although their products are not made from 100% recycled, this is done with sustainability in mind as they choose to pair the REPREVE® yarn with other high-quality materials to ensure that your Arcade belt lasts for years to come. By the end of 2024, Arcade pledges to save 3.1 million litres of water, repurpose 3 million plastic bottles and reduce over 300kg of CO2 emissions. 

With a tree motif to match the outdoors, the Arcade Blackwood Adventure Belt is made with 85% post-consumer recycled REPREVE®️ polyester and the micro-adjustable belt provides the perfect fit every time. 

 

Check out our full range of sustainable products here. 

Looking for an eco-friendly product for your next adventure? Chat to our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.

 

 

About the contributor: 

   Jess Fiske is the Marketing Coordinator at Wild Earth. When she isn’t rollerblading in the streets of Coolangatta, you will find her either hiking in SEQ or strapping on her snowboard somewhere cold. Always planning her next adventure, Jess loves to get outdoors and travel off the beaten path. Follow her adventures on Instagram.