Sustainability at
camel active -
Make an Active Change
What does sustainability
mean for camel active?
Responsible action is part of our brand philosophy at camel active.
Our sustainability mission, MAKE AN ACTIVE CHANGE, guides us in implementing and developing concrete measures in the areas of environment [“Nature”] and social responsibility [“People”].
Nature -
Ecological Sustainability
at camel active
Our durable and high-quality leisure wear is the perfect companion for any outdoor activity, whether in the mountains, at the beach, or in the city park.
Nature is not only one of the places where our products are worn, but also an area of action under which we bundle our measures related to materials, production processes, as well as initiatives and memberships concerning environmental aspects. More on this in the following section.
If you’re out and about with our products, you can also contribute to protecting nature. You can find practical tips in our Sustainability blog post “Do’s and Don’ts in Nature.”
Which materials do we use at camel active?
Natural fibers like cotton are the most important materials for our products due to their versatile properties. In addition to cotton, we use other materials of natural origin for our products. These include natural fibers such as linen and wool, as well as regenerated cellulosic fibers, for example, viscose, modal, and lyocell.
Synthetic materials are also used where appropriate. Whether in the outer material, for insulation or as a lining, synthetic fibres give our outdoor products functional properties such as reliable protection against cooling down, low weight and high elasticity.
For selected products, we also use materials with properties that are certified according to recognised standards. These include:
Organic Cotton
Recycled Fibres
Responsible Wool
In the following section, you can learn more about the standards and certifications behind the individual material properties.
Information on whether and which material properties have been used for a particular product, as well as the relevant certifications, can be found on the care label of the respective product or in the product description in our online shop. There, you can also filter specifically for products featuring the respective material properties.
Organic Cotton
Recycled Fibre
Responsible Wool
What's behind our
material features at camel active?
Not all our products are the same. Organic cotton, recycled fibers, or responsible wool are used in selected products. Here you can learn more about the three categories and the associated certification standards.
Organic Cotton
For selected products, we use organic cotton from controlled organic cultivation. In organic cotton cultivation, the use of genetically modified seeds, synthetic pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers is avoided.
Depending on the product, the organic cotton used is certified according to recognized standards such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the Organic Content Standard (OCS).
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Our GOTS-certified products are checked by independent third parties at all levels of the textile production chain to ensure that the organically sourced material is contained in the product. In addition, GOTS requires compliance with social and environmental criteria during further processing. GOTS distinguishes between two labeling levels: Products labeled “GOTS Organic” must contain at least 95% organically produced natural fibers. Products labeled “GOTS Made with Organic Materials” must have a minimum of 70% organically produced natural fibers.
OCS (Organic Content Standard)
Our OCS-certified products are checked by independent third parties at all levels of the textile production chain to ensure that the organically sourced material is contained in the product. Products labeled OCS 100 must contain at least 95% organically produced fibers. For the OCS Blended designation, a minimum of 5% organically produced fibers is required.
Recycled Polyester and Polyamide
For selected jackets and vests, we use recycled materials such as polyester or polyamide.
Depending on the product, these materials are certified according to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS).
GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
Our GRS-certified products are checked by independent third parties at all levels of the textile production chain to ensure that the recycled material is contained in the product. In addition, GRS requires compliance with social and environmental criteria. GRS-certified products contain at least 50% recycled materials.
RCS (Recycled Claim Standard)
RCS-certified products are checked by independent third parties at all levels of the textile production chain to ensure that the recycled material is contained in the product. Products labeled RCS 100 must contain at least 95% recycled fibers. For the RCS Blended designation, a minimum of 5% recycled fibers is required.
Responsible Wool
RWS is a standard for responsible wool fibres, setting requirements for animal welfare on sheep farms and ensuring the traceability of wool throughout the entire textile supply chain. To be eligible for RWS certification, products must contain at least 5% wool.
Initiatives and Memberships
Leather Working Group
camel active is a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG), an initiative for improving environmental standards in leather manufacturing. The LWG’s goal is to reduce environmental impacts, particularly concerning water, energy, and chemical consumption. Membership also provides Bültel Fashion Group with access to audited tanneries.
Four Paws
All camel active products are free from real fur, which is why we have joined the “Fur Free Retailer” initiative by Four Paws. The initiative identifies retailers who have committed in writing to a fur-free policy, helping consumers find guaranteed fur-free fashion. The program is an initiative of the “Fur Free Alliance,” a coalition of more than 40 leading animal and environmental protection organizations worldwide. camel active has been a member and “Fur Free Retailer” since 2020.
EIM Standard
For denim, we not only look at fit and quality but also at the production processes. For this, we use the Environmental Impact Measurement (EIM) assessments from our suppliers.
The assessment system developed by Jeanologia records key figures for water, energy, and chemical consumption in garment finishing processes. For our denim products, the requirement is to preferentially use materials whose finishing processes have been rated “Low Impact” or “Medium Impact” according to EIM.
People -
Social Sustainability
at camel active
We do our best to work reliably, trustfully, and collaboratively with our customers, employees, and suppliers worldwide, as we strive to be a fair employer and advocate for internationally valid and fair working conditions among our suppliers.
Photos: Production facilities in Asia
How does camel active
implement social sustainability?
The Bültel Group, as the camel active master licensee, has been a member of amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) since 2012 and thus supports compliance with social standards in the global value chain.
Before establishing a business relationship, potential production partners are evaluated regarding their working and production conditions as part of a structured onboarding process. As proof of adequate social standards, we require recognized audit and certification systems such as amfori BSCI, SA8000, or Sedex SMETA. Our sub-licensees are also obliged to work exclusively with appropriately qualified production facilities.
Our Code of Conduct (CoC) obliges all business partners to comply with social and ethical requirements. It is based on the amfori BSCI CoC as well as the core labor standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Guiding Principles, and the OECD Guidelines. The Code of Conduct defines requirements on topics such as working hours, remuneration, and the exclusion of forced labor, discrimination, and child labor.
During ongoing production, the production sites are also accompanied by technicians. In addition, exchange with partners is promoted through regular on-site visits.
Further topics related to sustainability
at camel active
Moorland Protection Initiative
As part of our sustainability mission, we are committed to protecting regional moorland landscapes together with the Emsland Nature Conservation Foundation.
Moorlands are valuable ecosystems: they store CO₂ and provide habitats for specialized animal and plant species. The goal of our collaboration is to make a concrete contribution to the preservation of these habitats and, at the same time, to make the topic tangible within our company. For this purpose, we regularly carry out joint activities on site.
Employees actively support maintenance measures, for example, by removing cuttings or introducing materials to stabilize moorland areas. These measures help to preserve the natural functions of the moorlands and promote their development.
The collaboration with the Emsland Nature Conservation Foundation enables us to combine practical nature conservation work with internal commitment.
Collaboration with Ledder Werkstätte
As part of our sustainability activities, we work on a project basis with Ledder Werkstätten, a regional institution for people with physical or mental disabilities.
Among other things, this collaboration results in upcycled products made from materials such as denim or banner materials. These include, for example, bags, cases, or phone holders.
The collaboration also led to the creation of an insect hotel, which is located on our company premises along with a wildflower meadow.
Exchange and Networking
Sustainability is a continuous learning process. Therefore, we regularly exchange ideas with industry associations, educational institutions, and other relevant stakeholders on current developments and challenges. Dialogue in networks and working groups helps us to incorporate new impulses into our work.
Sustainability Report
As part of the Bültel Fashion Group, camel active is integrated into the group-wide sustainability activities. Our sustainability report provides insights into the key sustainability topics of the corporate group.