FROM THEORY TO IMPLEMENTATION, TO ON-GOING PRACTICE.

CSR - CORPORATESOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Bergans of Norway has a long history in the development of outdoor equipment – driven by our own active lifestyle in the outdoors. We live off and for nature – as such, care and consideration are key factors. Our goal is to develop responsible products, through responsible production, but we also have the goal to raise awareness and to help.

Recognizing the fact that everything we do has an impact on our surroundings we acknowledge that it is a challenge to practice sustainable business. This is a challenge we face – by designing and manufacturing relevant and functional products in a responsible manner.

Bergans does not stand alone, being an active member of the European Outdoor Group (E.O.G.) and of the Scandinavian Outdoor Group (S.O.G.). Strong committed groups, working pro-active in joint international industry initiatives to reduce the pressures we all place upon the planet.

Bergans-eco-design means designing to reduce material waste, and to use less energy and other recourses. Performance products demand high quality materials and designs – which in itself ensures a long life for our products. The materials we choose determine the products environmental impact – The Eco-footprint. One contributing factor, to ensure our attaining and retaining a high standard is our being a bluesign® system partner.

In addition we only source organic cotton, ensure that all wool is from non-mulesed sheep, that our down is not from live-plucked geese, and where feasible we integrate material of recycled content. All backed by following the latest research and developments in the field of more environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing methods.

Bergans products are free of PFOS and PFOA chemicals. In addition, we are a part of a S.O.G. EU-funded project to test and develop new techniques for the weatherproof treatment(s) of functional outdoor clothing with the aim to deliver PFC free products in the future.

All Bergans products are developed and designed in Norway, but manufactured in a number of overseas factories. To ensure production does not violate any moral norms or legal requirements and to reduce negative environmental and social impact we are members of Ethical Trading Initiative Norway. IEH has an international network supporting social responsibility in the supply chain. www.etiskhandel.no/english

Our Code of Conduct (see: www.bergans.com) is the backbone of our business, and practiced by our suppliers. Regular factory inspections have resulted in over 30 concrete action plans leading to lasting improvements for workers safety, security and environment. This, like all aspects of CSR, is an on-going process.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - CSR

RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTS

RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION

FOREVER PIONEERSbergans.com

This international ‘Partnership’ allows for measurable reduction of resource consumption and the elimination of harmful substance exposure by our workforce and on the environment.

The international independent bluesign® system unites the textile supply chain to jointly reduce the negative impact on people and on the environment. The system ensures that factories address harmful chemicals at the fabric level and meet demanding requirements for consumer and worker safety, efficient resource use and environmental protection. Systematic input stream management ensures that only approved raw materials and chemical products are used in all steps of the manufacturing process.

Bergans goal is to promote the bluesign® system as an ongoing and expanding solution with all our suppliers.

Founded in 2006, the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) raises money from the European outdoor industry to preserve and protect the natural and wilderness environments it depends on. There are currently 92 members in the association. Since its inception, EOCA has raised over €1,000,000 - every last cent of which has gone directly into on-the-ground conservation projects, chosen by its members and the general public.

Polar explorer Rune Gjeldnes, member of Team Bergans, is an official EOCA Ambassador.

Bergans was one of the early members, and has each year supported EOCA with funding and active participation.

www.outdoorconservation.eu

To obtain sustainable business we focus on transportation, packing, energy consumption and waste reduction. Our Headquarters in Norway is certified under the Norwegian Environmental Standard “Miljøfyrtårn” (environmental lighthouse), which is endorsed by the Norwegian Ministry of Environment.

www.miljofyrtarn.no / www.eco-lighthouse.com

BERGANS - A BLUESIGN® SYSTEM PARTNER

CSR IS NOT JUST ABOUT MANUFACTURING AND CHEMICALS – BUT ABOUT NATURE AND PEOPLE.

EOCA - EUROPEAN OUTDOOR CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

RESPONSIBLE OPERATIONS

An independent, non-profit, non-political, non-religious and cross cultural organization registered in Nepal. Mountain enthusiasts from Norway help mountain people in Nepal to help themselves: ‘We provide the materials, they do the work!‘

With over 500 low-cost grass-root projects behind them, in 2014 MP will go international. Bergans of Norway meet all administrative costs, so that 100% of all income/donations go 100% to the designated project.

Join: Mountain People – www.mountain-people.org – It’s free!

Walking for a better future: A 1650km, 4 month long charity walk across the “roof of the world” was dedicated to the autistic children of Nepal. Gerda Pauler used Bergans clothes, from top to toe, rucksack, tent and sleeping bag - and raised enough money to send 10 health workers to India to study Autism.

www.greathimalayatrail-charitywalk.com

CSR is more than just chemicals – it’s about welfare – and awareness.

Bergans Turlag (Bergans Outdoor Club) is a staff led club organizing evening seminars/events and weeklong trips in the outdoors – summer and winter. Here all members of staff have the opportunity not to just ‘get out there’ but also to try our products in the field.

MOUNTAIN PEOPLE – HELPING MOUNTAIN PEOPLE TO HELP THEMSELVES

GREAT HIMALAYA TRAIL – A CHARITY WALK ACROSS NEPAL

GREAT HIMALAYA TRAIL

IN-HOUSE-CSR

Respect the Mountains is a pan-European organization that promotes sustainable mountain tourism – providing an effective “Menu” of actions that can reduce the negative impact, whilst building a sustainable future. There are 100 million visitors in the European mountains each year, which presents a huge challenge in preserving these mountain environments. Envirotrek Clean Up-2013 allows mountain lovers to enjoy nature and at the same time make a lasting impact by cleaning up rubbish left by others. Anyone can join!!

Envirotrek Clean Up-2013 will take place in eight locations this summer - in Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands and in the UK.

www.respectthemountains.com

RESPECT THE MOUNTAINS - SILVER PARTNER

Bergans is a result av Norway's beautiful yet challenging nature and climate. The sometimes extreme conditions place tough demands on outdoor equipment and the people using it.

FOREVER PIONEERSbergans.com