Why Fishing & Outdoor Brands Partner with Emerger Strategies
After working at two failed sustainability startups (biodiesel manufacturing & green building software), I realized that sustainability for the sake of sustainability is not enough. Sustainability must make business sense, and I have taken this approach since launching Emerger Strategies in 2016. Rather than just measuring greenhouse gas emissions, we measure greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. Reduced energy usage results in reduced emissions and operating costs. Rather than just measuring saying that anglers care about sustainability, we measure increases in our clients’ customer loyalty. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts support brands that align with their values, and our clients can prove it. I took the lessons learned from the two failed startups and used them to empower fishing and outdoor brands to make the business case for sustainability, and today we help brands pursue excellence by using sustainability as a way to transform into the best version of themselves.
Fast forward to 2025, and the fishing and outdoor industries are evolving quickly. From retailer sustainability compliance to new packaging regulations and consumer expectations, brands must adapt to stay competitive. At the same time, sustainability for fishing outdoor brands offers more than just compliance—it creates an opportunity to grow sales, strengthen customer loyalty, and build a long-term competitive advantage. Additionally, sustainability provides brands with resilience while facing the uncertainty of tariffs.
That’s why Emerger Strategies goes beyond traditional sustainability consulting. We offer Sustainability, Sales, and Marketing Consulting services designed specifically for fishing and outdoor brands. We don’t stop at greenhouse gas accounting or packaging assessments—we help you make the business case for sustainability by tying your performance directly to business outcomes. We even offer a platform to tell your sustainability story on The Sustainable Angler podcast. At Emerger Strategies, we don’t just understand sustainability—we understand business, which means every recommendation we make is designed to drive sales, strengthen your brand, and improve your bottom line.
Why Outdoor Brands Need More Than Sustainability Alone
For 21st century brands, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. But too many brands treat it like a box to check. The reality is:
- Sustainability-related regulations are on the rise. From PFAS to EPR for Packaging to green marketing claims, outdoor brands are required to meet sustainability regulations. Listen The Rise of Sustainability Regulations with special guest James Pollack from Marten Law on The Sustainable Angler podcast.
- Retailer expectations are rising. From Walmart sustainability compliance to REI product impact standards, outdoor brands are expected to deliver measurable progress. Learn more about the latest version of REI Product Impact Standards.
- Consumers demand accountability. Outdoor enthusiasts want to support brands that protect the places they love to fish, camp, and explore. Here’s What The Data Shows.
- Competitors are moving fast. Brands that simply report emissions without a sustainability marketing strategy risk being overshadowed.
Sustainability alone won’t help you win. It must be integrated into your sales strategy and marketing communications.
The Emerger Difference: Sustainability + Sales + Marketing
We help outdoor and fishing brands cut through complexity and connect sustainability to revenue, compliance, and brand equity. Our services include:
1. Sustainability Consulting
From greenhouse gas accounting for outdoor brands to PFAS compliance in the fishing industry, packaging sustainability consulting, and extended producer responsibility consulting, we simplify regulations and identify cost-saving opportunities. Learn more about our Sustainability Consulting Services.
2. Sales Strategy
We help brands turn sustainability into a sales advantage by aligning with retailer sustainability scorecards and expectations. The result? More doors opened, stronger retail relationships, and increased sell-through. We also offer training for your sales team so that they can use sustainability to drive sales.
3. Marketing & Communications
Through sustainability storytelling for outdoor brands, we build campaigns that resonate with your audience. We ensure your achievements don’t stay buried in spreadsheets but instead strengthen your brand reputation and deepen customer loyalty. We believe that story beats data every time, but you need credible sustainability data to substantiate your sustainability claims and to avoid greenwashing. That’s why we turn your data into stories that help you credibly communicate your sustainability journey.
Making the Business Case for Sustainability
With our sustainability consulting approach, fishing and outdoor brands benefit from:
- Cost Savings – lower energy, waste, and operational costs.
- Revenue Growth – win new retailer accounts and keep shelf space.
- Reputation & Loyalty – attract customers who care about conservation.
- Risk Reduction – stay ahead of regulations like EPR, PFAS, and climate disclosure laws.
In short: sustainability becomes a growth strategy—not just a compliance task.
Why Fishing & Outdoor Brands Choose Emerger Strategies
We’re not outsiders—we live and work in the fishing and outdoor space. Our clients trust us to solve industry-specific challenges like PFAS compliance, EPR for packaging regulations, and retailer scorecards, while also helping them grow sales and market share.
Other consultants focus only on compliance. We help you measure, improve, sell the story, and stand out.
Ready to Transform & Grow With Sustainability?
If your brand needs help with sustainability consulting for fishing brands, outdoor industry sustainability consulting, or integrating sustainability into your sales and marketing strategy, Emerger Strategies is here to help.
👉 Contact Emerger Strategies today to learn how our sustainability, sales, and marketing consulting services can help you make the business case for sustainability and grow your fishing or outdoor brand by filling out the form below.
