Hydro Flask, an award-winning leader in high-performance, insulated stainless steel flasks and soft good innovations and a Helen of Troy (NASDAQ: HELE) brand, is proud to announce progress on its sustainability journey. Starting in Spring 2022, Hydro Flask will begin rolling out Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified packaging, including 80-100 percent recycled content. By the end of the calendar year, the goal is for all primary packaging to be FSC certified and carry the How2Recycle label, taking the guesswork out of how to recycle and properly dispose of packaging. In addition, single-use plastic packaging (how the products arrive in the cases of retail stores) has also been eliminated for more than 90% of the brand’s products – a change corresponding to the weight of plastic in 13-million single-use plastic water. first year bottle only.[1]
“We want our packaging to be a true reflection of our commitment to doing better for the environment,” said Larry Witt, President of Home & Outdoor, Helen of Troy. “We are trying to eliminate plastic, making sure that our packaging is recycled or contains recycled content. Simply put, we want to make our packaging as good as our use.”
In partnership with parent company Helen of Troy, Hydro Flask is also taking steps to reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions internally and externally (and sharing progress each year). In line with the principles of the Science Based Targets initiative, Hydro Flask is actively working towards the following commitments:
- Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by fiscal 2030, based on the fiscal 2020 baseline, including all emissions from direct operations.
- Work closely with third-party manufacturers to improve supply chain emissions by 42% by fiscal 2030, based on a fiscal 2021 baseline. Helen of Troy and Hydro Flask are currently developing a program of pilot with one of its main suppliers to improve environmental impacts, with the expectation of expanding to other suppliers in the future.
In addition to GHG targets, the brand uses multi-stakeholder tools such as the Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) assessment tool. Hydro Flask was an early adopter of the Higg FEM hard goods including verification element and first piloted the tool in 2017. After initial low assessment scores, over the next three years with Asia-based team training and support, Hydro Flask’s average factory-verified FEM scores improved by 94%.
On the product side, Hydro Flask is excited to introduce the first soft drink product made with recycled material, the Slingback Bottle Pack. The new Slingback Bottle Pack is made with a 100% recycled polyester body, air mesh and ripstop lining, and holds up to a 32 oz Hydro Flask bottle. The sling design offers a secure fit, the strap is soft and breathable, and the inner storage has two padded compartments, – a padded tablet sleeve and a hidden stuff pocket. The June launch of the Slingback Bottle Pack is part of Hydro Flask’s continued commitment to contribute to the aspirational goal of a circular economy through material choices and smart packaging, in addition to our functional products. MSRP: $59.95
“Since 2009, Hydro Flask has been fighting a single-use plastic war and to this day, we put [approximately] 50 million reusable bottles in the hands of consumers,” commented Jay Wilkins, Vice President of Product, Hydro Flask. “Our new Slingback Bottle Pack is just one of the many ways we’re committed to designing for the environment.”
Additionally, Hydro Flask understands that partnering with like-minded organizations and giving back to communities is critical to the success of a healthy planet. Through the Refill for Good program, Hydro Flask is working with several organizations, including a 2021 partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, to remove more than 7,500 pounds of trash from beaches, providing consumers with bottles, and help individuals find safe drinking water. .
Finally, since 2017 the brand’s Parks for All Program has awarded more than $2.5 million to program partners focused on building, maintaining, restoring, and providing more equitable access to parks. Recognizing the importance of supporting organizations that are well-positioned to create positive change for external equity, 75% of 2022 grantees are led by People of Color and/or other historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, including women, LGBTQIA2S+, and people with disabilities. Hydro Flask is also committed to this work internally, with a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee to educate colleagues on creating a culture of inclusiveness.
To learn more about Hydro Flask’s corporate responsibility efforts and projects, visit https://www.hydroflask.com/corporate-responsibility.
About Parks For All
Parks for All is the providing platform for Hydro Flask. Through Parks for All, Hydro Flask supports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring and providing more equitable access to parks. For us, parks represent a place we can all go to recreate, relax or be inspired. From city park excursions with our family to backcountry national park adventures, parks of all sizes and types help make us healthier, happier and happier. Parks For All is our way of sharing our passion for green spaces, and making sure these special places get the attention and protection they deserve. Through January 2022, Parks for All has supported 151 non-profits, awarded more than $2.5 million and donated more than 68,000 bottles. For more information about Parks for All, please visit www.hydroflask.com/parks-for-all.
About Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask® is the leader in high-performance insulated products that help people enjoy the things they want to do in the places they want. From the number one selling water bottle to great soft innovations like Day Escape™ Soft Coolers to the Outdoor Kitchen dining collection, the delightfully simple designs of Hydro Flask and everywhere else stability will always provide the perfect temperature when you need it. Founded in 2009 in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask inspires the active outdoor life with two simple words: Let’s Go! Its grant program, Parks for All, supports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring and investing in public green spaces so that people everywhere can live healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives. . To learn more about Hydro Flask, Parks for All, and to see the full lineup of award-winning products, visit www.hydroflask.com.
About Helen of Troy Limited
Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ: HELE) is a leading global consumer products company that offers innovative products and solutions for its customers through a diverse portfolio of recognized and widely trusted brands. brands, including OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Vicks, Braun, Honeywell , PUR, Hot Tools and Drybar. The Company sometimes refers to these brands as its Leadership Brands. All trademarks herein belong to Helen of Troy Limited (or its subsidiaries) and/or are used under license from their respective licensors. For more information about Helen of Troy, please visit www.helenoftroy.com. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “the company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to of Hydro Flask. For more information about Helen of Troy’s environmental, social, and governance approach and performance, including information about Helen of Troy’s forward-looking statements, please see Helen of Troy’s Environmental, Social and Governance Report ( ESG Report) available at www.helenoftroy.com /esg.
[1] Assuming the average 16.9 oz single-use plastic water bottle weighs approximately 9.3 grams, as reported by the Beverage Marketing Corporation.
