XTM B Corp Sustainability Report

About Us

At XTM Performance, our mission is to bring you dependable snow and outdoor gear that not only fuels your adventures but treads lightly on the planet and your wallet. It ties into our ultimate visionDo Good. Be Free. Have Fun.

For the past two decades, we’ve been on a sustainability adventure of our own. We’ve fine-tuned our eco-friendly practices from the production line all the way through to our Australian HQ, a place as self-sufficient as it is good vibes.

Flip through the pages ahead and you’ll quickly learn we have a list of planetfriendly goals waiting to be achieved. From net zero emissions and plasticfree packaging, to warming up 100,000 people suffering homelessness with the simple act of gifting a jacket.

But here’s the thing, this journey is more than just checking off a list. It’s about sharing the ride with you. We’ve conquered some peaks this year, but the adventure is far from over.

Note from our Founder.

When we started XTM we weren’t aiming to stir up a storm. We just wanted to sell some quality, affordable gear. The kind that keeps you out there longer, like the ones that shaped my own adventures as a kid growing up at Mt Buller (Victoria, Australia).

But life has a way of schooling you. We soon realised that making premium gear meant more than just the product itself. It meant doing good for the planet too. That’s why, back in 2009, we decided to make XTM Performance a Carbon Neutral company, one of the first Australian sporting goods companies to take the leap.

Fast forward to today and there’s a heap we can be proud of. Our continued commitment to Carbon Neutral, our long-standing relationship with Woolmark® Aussie Merino wool and our Heat the Homeless and Natural Disaster Relief initiative just to name a few.

Most recently, we’re extremely proud of our B Corp certification. A score of 107.8 in our rookie year - a good start to a long journey.

The team and I can often be hesitant when it comes to sharing our long-term sustainability hustle. We’re not ones to toot our own horn. We need to flip the script now. Let us pull back the curtain and show you just how much we love this planet and its people.

So, giddy up and strap in. This sustainability ride is about to kick into high gear, and we’re taking you with us.

Peter Forras.

Our climb so far.

2024 B Corp Certified with an overall score of 107.8

2023 Began Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), working with local Indigenous communities.

2022 Introduced our Save the Tarkine Rain Jacket. 100% of profits donated to Save The Tarkine Foundation (Significant wilderness NW Tasmania, Australia).

2021 Joined Climate United Pact. An industry collaboration that acknowledges actions to be Net Zero by 2050.

2020 Sustainable Packaging Strategy introduced. Adopted the use of bio-degradable bags. Dropped the use of PFC DWR coatings on technical outerwear garments.

2019 Built self-sufficient HQ in Torquay, Victoria, Australia, that uses recycled water and solar energy harnessed into batteries.

2018 Introduced recycled fleece into the product line.

2016 Began Heat the Homeless Initiative, gifting pre-loved winter jackets to those experiencing hardship or are marginally housed across Australia.

2015 Created MerinoLite® insulation to replace Down.

2009 Voluntary Carbon Offsetting and 100% Certified Carbon Neutral.

2006 Introduced natural fibres into our line like Aussie Merino wool.

Transparency.

Performance matters - so does the Planet.

In 2023 we began our B Corp certification journey which threw our sustainable practices into the spotlight.

To earn our stripes as certified B Corp we needed to demonstrate accountability and transparency. From the way we treat our incredible employees and give back to the community, down to the intricacies of the supply chain and choice of materials we use to make our products.

We needed to prove that we’re not just committed but genuinely passionate about being both environmentally and socially responsible.

In 2023, we completed our B Corp assessment. The verdict - 107.8 overall score.

This is a nod of approval that shows we’re not just talking the talk but walking the walk when it comes to making a positive impact.

Certifications.

Really, B Corp is just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve also got a line-up of certifications and industry partnerships that help fuel our planet-first approach to business, keeping us accountable.

Verifying that the business meets high standards of performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.

With the help of the Carbon Reduction Institute we reduce, measure, and offset our Carbon Emissions so every product is 100% Carbon Neutral.

All Wool used in our products is undeniably local and sourced from a network of 60,000 wool growers across Australia with ethical farming practices.

Every component of the product, from the fabric to the thread and accessories, has been rigorously tested against a list of up to 350 toxic chemicals.

Voluntary product standard for tracking and verifying the content of recycled materials in a final product.

Industry Partnerships.

Partnering with third party benchmarking to authenticate our efforts and drive our improvement.

Industry pact to champion sustainability actions and formalising 2050 goal of net-zero carbon emissions commitment.

Ensures international conventions for workers’ rights, delivering a common code of conduct to help ensure moral business practices.

GORE TEX product technologies are for diverse uses: every day to demanding to extreme outdoor activities. GORE TEX Products provide totally windproof, breathable, and water-resistant to durably waterproof protection.

A global leader in waterproof and breathable technology. Designed to keep users dry and comfortable across a wide range of conditions and outdoor activities, their advanced fabric technologies are sustainably engineered to meet the highest performance specifications.

Climate.

Going further, treading lighter.

Fifteen years ago, we became a carbon neutral company. Working closely with the Carbon Reduction Institute, we measure and offset emissions by investing in sustainable projects around the world. From wind energy initiatives to reforestation and hydropower plants.

2023 Carbon Report Data:

We’ve saved 28,500 tonnes of Carbon with equivalent offsets. That’s the same as:

or

4500 flights from Melbourne, Australia to Los Angeles, USA. (12748kms/7921 miles)

183,969 trees planted (5,369 hectares of forest)

Reducing Future Emissions.

Measuring and offsetting our emissions is a great start, but it’s not enough. We look at our entire footprint, and continually search for ways to reduce it.

• Our product materials: Always opt for lower impact fibres and materials when possible and 100% biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable labelling and packaging.

• Our manufacturing: Choosing factories powered by renewable energy.

• How we ship: Reduce airfreight and consolidate shipping where possible to always decrease total travel emissions.

• Our warehouse and HQ: Run all operations on renewable energy.

Because the only footprint we want to leave is our boots in the snow or out on a trail.

Product.

Adventure tested and planet approved.

We’re here to prove you don’t have to sacrifice sustainability to deliver high-tech, high-quality gear. From natural to recycled fibres, we’ve rounded up the best low-impact materials for outdoor product that gets Mother Nature’s nod of approval.

Our Preferred Fibres and Materials:

MATERIAL.

Aussie Merino wool.

TENCEL™. Seawool®.

COLLECTION.

Baselayers, beanies, facewear, snow boots, socks, gloves, technical outerwear.

Baselayers, garments.

Midlayers, garments.

Organic Cotton.

Midlayers, garments.

Recycled Polyester and Nylon. PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) treatments.

Technical outerwear, and outdoor apparel. Technical outerwear, all alpine and adventure glove membranes top end gloves, midlayer garment fabrics, membranes and zips.

DESCRIPTION.

100% natural, renewable, and biodegradable. We use ethically farmed Woolmark certified Australian Merino wool.

Fibres made from controlled and certified sourced natural raw material (wood) - which is then turned to a pulp before spinning into a yarn.

Blends post-consumer oyster shells with recycled plastic bottles (PET) mixed with recycled polyester and/or virgin polyester to create a soft and breathable fabric with wool-like qualities.

Naturally cultivated cotton without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilisers or pesticides or transgenic technology.

Diverting waste from landfill by recycling plastic, fishing nets and plastic scraps and re-spinning it into new fibres

Water-repellency without perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals. This means no harmful chemical compounds released into the environment and food-chain when manufactured, worn, or washed.

XTM Performance Warehouse.

Behind the scenes we’re making changes to keep us on track for our 2040 net zero goal.

By 2024, we’ll have taken our Sustainable Packaging Strategy to the next level with our domestic XTM warehouse and suppliers to deliver goods in packaging that is completely biodegradable, compostable, reusable, or recyclable. No single-use plastics in sight, or on-site. Our Journey to Landfill-Free So Far:

• Our domestic warehouse uses packing tape that is 100% biodegradable.

• Our domestic warehouse uses pallet wrap that is 100% biodegradable.

• Suppliers garment bags are completely biodegradable.

• Product packing bags and online postage bags are made from corn starch and are compliant to EN 13432 home compostable standards.

These small changes have saved 1,553kg of plastic going to landfill each year.

People.

Our Team.

Equality isn’t just a buzzword for us, it’s ingrained in our culture. Every interaction, high-five and even the occasional mishap is all done with a healthy dose of consideration and empathy.

We’re a tight-knit family that breathes seven essential values.

• Passion - Because if you’re not excited, what’s the point?

• Integrity - We play fair, always.

• Respect - For each other and Mother Nature.

• Communication - No secrets, just good vibes.

• Teamwork - We’re in this together.

• Accountability - Owning up when it counts.

• Balanced Life - Because powder days should be enjoyed.

Speaking of balance, in 2023 we dropped our very own Diversity-Inclusive Code of Conduct. It’s not your typical rule book - it’s a celebration of differences and a commitment to a workplace where everyone feels at home.

It’s how we ensure that when you step into XTM, you step into a world that’s as diverse as the mountains we play in.

In 2023

56% of all Employees identified as Women

44% of all Employees identified as Men

42% of all Managers identified as Women

58% of all Managers identified as Men

Heat the Homeless.

Our Heat the Homeless initiative is as straightforward as it gets. We collect and distribute pre-loved winter jackets to those who need them the most.

Most people experiencing homelessness are hidden from sight. They could be sleeping in a car, couch surfing, in tents, or enduring the night on public transport. They may have shelter but no permanent place to call home. They are the ‘hidden homeless’.

122,000+ people are classified as homeless or marginally housed on any given night in Australia*.

55.9% are male.

44.1% are female.

23% are aged 12-24 years old.

2016 Heat the Homeless campaign began. 32,000 jackets have been donated so far.

27.2 tonnes in jacket donations have been diverted from landfill. 133 retailers host donation boxes across Australia.

*Source: Australian census 2021

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

At the core of XTM, our roots reach into the heart of Taungurung People’s Country, surrounding Mt Buller. However, our HQ has found its home on Wadawurrung Country in the laid-back coastal haven of Torquay on Victoria’s Surf Coast, Australia.

Immersing ourselves in the rich history and profound connection to the people and culture, we felt a deep responsibility to cultivate a genuine understanding of First Nations Peoples. It’s not just about acknowledging the past but actively seeking consent for every event and business endeavour conducted on Traditional Lands, both now and into the future.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a collaborative effort guided by the wisdom and support of Marsha Uppil, a proud Adnyamathanha woman. Taking the helm as our RAP Champion is our CEO, supported by a dynamic working group that spans across various departments within our business.

As we navigate this journey, our spirited working group convenes monthly, ensuring we stay true to our RAP commitments along with actively involving First Nations Peoples stakeholders for invaluable guidance. Together, we’re paving a path of understanding, respect, and genuine collaboration.

Winter Olympic Team Supplier.

As an Olympian himself, our founder, Pete Forras wanted to give back to the organisation that helped him in his early days as a professional skier. That’s why we’ve been the longstanding Australian Winter Olympic Team Supplier, starting way back in 2006.

• 18 Years as official supplier to the Aussie Winter Olympic Team.

• 15 Medals won over the years, including 4 Gold.

• 5 Games we’ve supplied gear to Aussie Winter Olympic Athletes.

It also turns out that the best way to cheer on our Olympians is to kick things off at the grassroots level. So, we’re right in the mix with Inter-schools Snowsport Championships and on-mountain race and boardriders clubs, chipping in financial support and practical backing to give these future champions the push they deserve. And just the snow-crazy kids staking a claim and dreaming big. We’re making sure they’re supported every carve, jump, and rail slide along the way.

1% of sales donated.

Every year we set aside 1% of our sales for causes that matter. No big speeches or grand gestures, just a commitment to making a positive impact. It’s our way of spreading warmth beyond our gear.

Our donations have reached near and far but here are some of the local charities we have donated to:

• Salvation Army

• St Vincent De Paul

• Red Cross

• World Vision

• GIVIT

• Save the Tarkine

• Chumpy Pullin Foundation

• Disability Sport Australia

At the end of the day, it’s not just about delivering high-quality gear but building a legacy of positive change.

The Next Steps.

Our key priorities for 2024 and beyond.

2024 B Corp Certification.

2024 Further implement our Sustainable Packaging Strategy across product, packaging, warehouse, and supply chain.

2025 Finalise Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Further embrace ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices.

2026 10 years of Heat the Homeless. Goal to have donated 100,000+ jackets from the initiative’s inception in 2016.

Product traceability program for midlayer apparel insulation.

100% PFC-Free footwear and gloves.

FSC® certification for packaging and swingtags.

2030 50% reduction in emissions across the business.

2040 Net Zero emissions across the business.