Retailers like Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, REI, and even specialty retailers now expect brands to measure and improve their social & environmental performance. Why? Because these retailers have their own sustainability goals they are trying to achieve, such as: Net-Zero by 2050, Zero Waste, and others focused on climate, nature, waste reduction,…
Mending the Line Blog
What’s New with REI Product Impact Standards (v4.0) in 2026?
Retailers like Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, REI, and even specialty retailers now expect brands to measure and improve their social & environmental performance. Why? Because these retailers have their own sustainability goals they are trying to achieve, such as: Net-Zero by 2050, Zero Waste, and others focused on climate, nature, waste reduction,…
There’s No Such Thing as a Green Product (Only Greener Ones) | Al Iannuzzi on Sustainable Product Strategy
Today on The Sustainable Angler, I’m joined by Al Iannuzzi, author of one of my favorite sustainability books, Greener Products: The Making & Marketing of Sustainable Brands, and Al shares insights from decades of experience helping companies design, improve, and market more sustainable (greener) products. Al is President and Founder of Iannuzzi Sustainability Solutions and…
The Business Case for Sustainability: 10 Strategies for Fly Fishing Retailers to Profit While Protecting the Planet
Fly fishing retailers are facing a rapidly changing business landscape. From rising operational costs to evolving customer expectations and emerging environmental regulations, today’s fly shops must adapt to stay competitive. The good news? Sustainability is no longer just a compliance exercise. It is one of the most practical, profitable, and resilient business strategies available to…
How Emerger Strategies Helps Fishing & Outdoor Brands Exceed Retailer Sustainability Expectations
Retail sustainability expectations are no longer a future concern. They are a current commercial reality. Fishing and outdoor brands selling into major retailers like Walmart, REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Bass Pro Shops are facing rapidly increasing expectations around: For many small- to mid-sized brands, the pressure is clear—but the path forward is not. That’s…
Don’t Hire This Sustainability Consultant
Why sustainability may be the smartest cost-cutting strategy for businesses in 2026 and beyond American businesses are facing a perfect storm of rising costs. Health insurance premiums alone climbed 6% in 2025, continuing several years of elevated increases and pushing average annual family coverage close to $27,000. Add inflation, elevated borrowing costs, tariffs, and volatile…