AFTCO is committed to reducing our environmental impact on the oceans, rivers, lakes, and land that support our fisheries. You can learn more about the action we have already taken here, and we still have a long way to go to fully accomplish our goals.
Why We’re Sharing These Details
Although AFTCO was proud to win a best in category award at ICAST 2020 with our Saba Recycled Boardshorts, other brands in the fishing and outdoor spaces had blazed the trail long before us. In the same manner we have led the charge in conservation through our 10% Pledge to Protect & Conserve, we aim to set the bar for building a sustainable business within the fishing industry by setting specific goals and implementing new processes. We believe this is important for the health of our fisheries.
Why Aren’t We Moving Faster?
Supply chains can be slow moving, and our production and design planning often extends 24 months into the future. Additionally, there are real costs associated with these changes which means analyzing and prioritizing our needs while we work through the increased cost structure.
By 2025, our goal is for AFTCO performance clothing, fishing tackle, marketing materials, and product packaging to be more considerate of their impact on the health of our fisheries. Below is how we plan to get there.
Our Goals for Hang Tags
2022
Newly manufactured sportswear styles feature recycled hang tags.
2023
All primary sportswear hang tags made from traceable post-consumer recycled materials and utilize non-VOC inks.
2024
All t-shirt and hat styles feature recycled hang tags.
2025
100% of hang tags made form traceable post-consumer recycled materials for all product categories.
Our Goals for Paper
2020
Transition to shipping boxes made from 70% recycled cardboard.
2021
All wholesale and consumer catalogs printed on recycled paper.
2024
100% of consumer facing paper products printed on recycled paper, eliminating the use of virgin and non-FSC forest fibers.
Our Goals for Packaging & Plastics
2021
Identity which AFTCO products utilize plastic packaging and establish a plan to transition to alternative materials.
2022
20% reduction in total poly bag volume via rightsizing and eliminating unnecessary bag usage.
2023
Convert poly bags to recycled plastic if a plastic poly bag alternative is not found.
2025
100% of plastic packaging is recyclable, compostable, or reusable. Highest priority is a compostable alternative to plastic poly bags.
Our Goals for Product
2022
30% of polyester used in sportswear apparel made from recycled alternatives. Explore additional nylon fabric alternatives through ECONYL® partnerships.
2023
50% of polyester used in sportswear apparel made from recycled alternatives. Introduce a cost-effective performance fabric with more sustainable components than traditionally derived polyester.
2024
70% of polyester used in sportswear apparel made from recycled alternatives.
2025
90% of polyester used in sportswear apparel made from recycled alternatives. 50% of polyester used in tackle products made from recycled alternatives.
Through partnerships with ECONYL®, drirelease®, LABTEX, and our GRS Certified Suppliers, explore solutions for sustainable cotton, nylon, and polyester alternatives along with ways to incorporate often underutilized organic materials while delivering performance-based results.
These goals will help us improve and provide visibility into where we are heading as a company. We have a long way to go to truly reduce the impact of AFTCO products on our fisheries. It starts with acknowledging the simple truth that all products we make affect the environment. While we can never eliminate that impact, we can strive to greatly reduce it.