In an exciting step toward a more sustainable future, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA), in partnership with Emerger Strategies, has launched the AFFTA Sustainability Toolkit. This comprehensive resource is designed to help fly fishing businesses measure, improve, and communicate their sustainability performance, and protect the resources that the fly fishing industry depends on in the process.
Why Sustainability Matters in Fly Fishing
Sustainability is not just a trend—it’s a business necessity. Consumers are increasingly demanding products that align with their values, big box retailers are raising sustainability expectations for suppliers (brands), and new regulations are requiring businesses to measure and reduce their environmental impact. For fly fishing businesses, embracing sustainability means protecting the waters and wild places that make the sport possible while also gaining a competitive edge.
What is the AFFTA Sustainability Toolkit?
The AFFTA Sustainability Toolkit is a practical, step-by-step guide designed to help brands, lodges, retailers, and guides in the fly fishing industry start or enhance their sustainability journey. This Toolkit helps businesses identify their environmental and social impacts, measure greenhouse gas emissions, set sustainability goals, and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while also showing how to make the business case for sustainability.
Key Features of the AFFTA Sustainability Toolkit

Sustainability Assessment: Identify your company’s social and environmental impacts.
SDG Alignment: Link your sustainability efforts to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
GHG Emissions Calculator: Easily measure your carbon footprint (AFFTA x Emerger Strategies webinar coming soon!)
Sustainability Goal-Setting and Action Plan Templates: Set clear goals and take action.
Regulatory Compliance Checklists: Ensure you meet major regulatory expectations, such as GHG emissions, EPR for Packaging and PFAS.
The Business Case for Sustainability
Implementing sustainability can drive business growth. Companies using the AFFTA Sustainability Toolkit can reduce costs, improve brand reputation, enhance customer loyalty, and stay ahead of regulatory requirements. It’s about turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.
How to Get Started
The AFFTA Sustainability Toolkit is now available to all AFFTA members. Whether you are just starting your sustainability journey or looking to level up your efforts, this Toolkit is your roadmap to success.
For more information on the AFFTA Sustainability Toolkit or to get started, contact AFFTA.
If you are an industry trade association, or member organization that wants to add value for your members, contact Emerger Strategies about our Sustainability Toolkit + Educational Webinars.