LOWA sets ambitious sustainability goals by 2027

Jetzendorf, November 4, 2024 – In its sustainability efforts, LOWA is setting ambitious goals, some of which are to be achieved by 2027. The mountain and outdoor shoe specialist announced this on the occasion of the publication of its first sustainability report, named “Etappensteiger.” Among other things, from 2027 onwards, all LOWA products will be subject to a binding guideline for sustainable product development. LOWA is also pursuing ambitious milestones in the decarbonization of its business: by 2027, LOWA aims to reduce CO2 emissions from upstream and downstream supply chains, which account for 80 to 85% of the total CO2 footprint (Scope 3), by 25%.

“An intact nature is the basis for unforgettable outdoor experiences. That is why it has always been important to LOWA to act environmentally consciously and to bring high-quality, long-lasting products to the market,” says LOWA Managing Director Alexander Nicolai. “We stand for ambitious but realistic sustainability goals. Step by step, in the spirit of an ‘Etappensteiger,’ we want to reduce the impact on the environment and nature and improve social standards. Our advantage is that we produce almost exclusively in Europe and mostly in our own factories. This gives us a comparatively high level of control over the entire supply chain. However, this also means we have direct responsibility.”

LOWA’s sustainability strategy is an evolution of the comprehensive corporate responsibility concept that has existed for years. It encompasses four areas of action, each with specific goals:

1. Products

   • LOWA is currently working on a guideline for sustainable product development. From 2027, all new products must meet these requirements.
   • By 2027, 80% of LOWA models will have life cycle assessments (LCAs) according to relevant environmental standards.
   • From January 1, 2025, the entire LOWA outdoor collection will be PFC-free.
   • LOWA maintains an in-house service with around 40,000 submissions per year for repairs to significantly extend the life cycle of the shoes.

2. Supply Chain

   • Since 2023, LOWA has been a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, as the first pure shoe manufacturer with European production. The internationally active and independent Fair Wear conducts comprehensive brand performance checks on its members annually, creating transparency about working and production conditions in their own operations as well as with production partners.

3. Environment & Climate

   • LOWA aims to be climate neutral by 2050 (across all areas, Scope 1 to 3). To achieve this goal, the company is currently developing a comprehensive decarbonization strategy to identify, measure, and reduce all emission sources along the value chain.
   • By 2027, CO2 emissions in Scope 1 (all direct emissions) and Scope 2 (emissions from purchased energy) are to be halved (base year: 2023). For Scope 3 emissions (upstream and downstream supply chains), which account for 80 to 85% of the total CO2 footprint, LOWA aims to reduce them by 25% by 2027.
   • In Germany, LOWA already covers 60% of its own electricity needs with a PV system. Investments are also being made at the production site in Bošany, Slovakia.

4. People & Company

   • With the Code of Conduct introduced in 2012 and continuously developed, LOWA has a compass that sets binding ethical, ecological, and social standards that apply to all LOWA locations, partnerships, and supplier relationships. The code was relaunched in 2022 along with an anonymous reporting system and now also includes comprehensive anti-discrimination measures.

Annika Jestädt, Head of Corporate Responsibility at LOWA: “We do not see sustainability as a state, but as a process in which we move towards our goals step by step. Innovations in design, materials, and production techniques flow into this process, as do the requirements of customers, employees, and partners. With the first sustainability report, we are beginning to transparently present our commitment and measure ourselves against our goals.”

The LOWA sustainability report “Etappensteiger” can be accessed at: lowa.social/cr-report-2023