Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition (CCMC) Announced
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), a member-led collective and a catalyst for meaningful change in the outdoor industry, proudly announces the launch of its new initiative called the Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition (CCMC).
This comprehensive program, working group, and consulting service aim to provide OIA members with strategies, scalable action plans, and solutions to gradually eliminate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other harmful chemicals from their products.
Additionally, the coalition will guide members through the complex landscape of sustainability regulations across the country.
The CCMC is designed to offer tailored support to outdoor retailers, brands, manufacturers, and distributors based on their specific product categories and stages of development.
The primary goal of the program is to help OIA members strike a balance between financial considerations and product management risks while phasing out and replacing materials.
The program emphasizes transparency in the supply chain, recycling practices, and emissions disclosure. It will also keep members informed about forthcoming chemical regulations and sustainability compliance laws that may affect the outdoor industry.
Kent Ebersole, the President of OIA, emphasizes the importance of finding safer alternative materials without compromising performance in the process of phasing out forever
chemicals.
He highlights that many leading outdoor brands, such as REI, Keen, and Patagonia, have already committed to eliminating PFAS and have taken steps to screen their products for these substances and remove toxic materials from their product lines.
With the establishment of the CCMC, OIA aims to mobilize the entire outdoor industry and promote widespread compliance in this crucial chemical phase-out.
Sarah Rykal, the Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at OIA, underscores the association's commitment to balance and urgency in sustainability efforts.
She states that OIA is dedicated to supporting its members as they navigate and innovate sustainable practices, ultimately fostering consumer trust and loyalty in their favorite outdoor brands and gear.
OIA invests in this program to share collective resources and expertise, ensuring that outdoor companies do not have to bear the sole burden of costly but valuable new sustainability measures.
OIA will disseminate execution plans, including legislative and technical resources, a state-by-state roadmap of market and product restrictions, and complex compliance timelines, enabling all members to comply with regulations with minimal impact and reduced risk to their businesses.
Furthermore, OIA members will have access to CCMC technical and legislative experts who can provide additional guidance on customized approaches, such as testing thresholds, research on alternative materials, and critical information on identifying and phasing out harmful chemicals from the supply chain.
Monthly working group discussions, facilitated by industry leaders and experts, will also be available for members to delve into existing and future strategies for chemical action.
These member-led working groups will offer further guidance on essential topics such as supply chain management and testing, chemical testing labs and methodologies, templates and talking points for engaging with suppliers, inventory management and disposal, as well as consumer messaging and best marketing practices.
Ebersole concludes by expressing that whether OIA members are embarking on the journey of eliminating PFAS or adopting other sustainability measures, the CCMC stands ready to provide timely and user-friendly information as well as insights for the entire industry.
Through collaborative efforts, they aim to establish more sustainable practices and ensure the success of the outdoor industry for the benefit of businesses, people, and the planet.
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