Is your brand ready to simplify sustainability?
At Emerger Strategies, we’re excited to announce the launch of our latest free resource: the Sustainability Checklist for Fishing & Outdoor Brands. Designed specifically for small to mid-sized companies in the fishing and outdoor industries, this downloadable checklist helps you assess your sustainability performance, meet retailer expectations, and stay ahead of regulations.
Why Sustainability Matters for Outdoor and Fishing Brands
Retailers
If you sell, or want to sell, to retailers like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or Walmart, sustainability compliance is quickly becoming table stakes. Many large retailers now require suppliers to complete sustainability assessments like REI Product Impact Standards, THESIS, or Walmart’s Project Gigaton. Fishing and outdoor brands that understand their Scopes 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, use more sustainable materials, or reduce packaging waste gain a competitive edge in B2B sales. Sustainability becomes a key differentiator in your pitch, making your products more attractive to retail buyers who have their own ESG goals to meet.
Consumers
Consumer preferences are shifting fast. According to a 2023 NielsenIQ report, 73% of global consumers say they would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact. In the fishing and outdoor industries, where people are deeply connected to nature, that number is likely even higher. By aligning your brand with environmental values—like protecting fisheries, preserving wild places, and reducing your carbon footprint—you build trust, loyalty, and brand differentiation. Whether you’re a fly rod manufacturer or an apparel company, clear sustainability messaging resonates deeply with today’s conscious consumer and can drive sales growth.
Regulators
Sustainability-related regulations are quickly reshaping the fishing and outdoor industries, requiring brands to take a more proactive approach to environmental responsibility. From greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting that demands transparency on operational impacts, to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that hold companies accountable for the packaging and products they bring to market, the regulatory landscape is tightening. Additionally, new bans and restrictions on harmful chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are impacting product design, especially in performance apparel and gear. For fishing and outdoor brands looking to stay on retail shelves and avoid costly penalties, understanding and adapting to these regulations is no longer optional—it’s essential for long-term success.
Whether you’re selling fly fishing gear, performance apparel, or outdoor accessories, having a clear sustainability strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential.
What’s Inside the Checklist?
This simple, actionable guide includes:
- A quick sustainability self-assessment for your operations, products, and packaging
- Key areas to focus on (greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable materials, compliance, and more)
- A competitive edge in the marketplace without needing a full-time sustainability team
Who Should Download the Checklist?
This resource is for you if you:
- Own or work for a fishing, hunting, or outdoor brand
- Want to improve your sustainability performance but aren’t sure where to start
- Need to respond to retail sustainability assessments like Walmart’s THESIS or REI’s Product Impact Standards
- Are ready to grow responsibly and reduce business risk
About Emerger Strategies
Emerger Strategies is a sustainability consulting firm that helps outdoor and fishing brands simplify sustainability, meet compliance demands, and make the business case for sustainability. We work with leading companies across the industry to deliver measurable results without the overhead of hiring in-house sustainability teams. Learn more about our Sustainability Consulting Services.
Download the Free Sustainability Checklist Today
Download the Free Sustainability Checklist for Fishing & Outdoor Brands Today
Take the first step toward building a more sustainable—and profitable—business. Click the button below to download your free Sustainability Checklist for Fishing & Outdoor Brands now.