Our Approach
Impact starts with how we operate. That means taking ethics into account during every phase of
a product’s lifecycle - from its design to its manufacture and sale. We’re into funky; we’re into
sustainable; we’re into treating those who sew our products with respect.
BATAAN, PHILIPPINES
Packs & Bags Factory
Located in Bataan, Philippines, this factory is Cotopaxi’s principal pack maker. Known for producing best-in-class technical items, it partners with us in reducing fabric waste through our Del Día products. Here’s how it works: the factory collects the unused material produced by other brands in its facilities, and we turn those scraps into backpacks. Beyond working with us in a win-win effort to advance sustainability, this factory also completed the Higg Index facility module, which means they are committed to fair social labour and environmentally sound practices.
Every Del Día bag is unique because we leave the colour choices and final creative decisions to our sewers, who we see as integral makers.
SHANGHAI, CHINA
Headwear
All of our headwear comes from Shanghai and is made in the first Fair Trade Certified™ factory in China.
The facility’s lean manufacturing practices allow them to produce high quality products with minimal environmental impact. They have reduced their carbon footprint by using energy efficient machines, going paperless, and contributing to local conservation efforts. They are are also committed to workers’ health and safety, career growth programs, and additional vocational training.
Their leadership provides charitable support within its communities of operation, such as support for the elderly and disabled.
CHINNAKARAI, INDIA
Fair Trade Tees
Based in Southern India, this Fair Trade Certified factory produces our organic cotton t-shirts. Beyond meeting the rigorous social and environmental Fair Trade Certified factory audit standards, this factory’s leadership is all in when it comes to supporting worker-led initiatives. Cotopaxi proudly participates in the facility’s Fair Trade program by giving an additional 1% of our ordering costs back to workers.
Currently, workers use the additional funds from the Fair Trade program to finance a free breakfast program, education grants, and onsite medical clinics.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
Athleisure
With over 45 years of technical design and manufacturing experience, this factory produces all of Cotopaxi’s athleisure products and is a leader in impact and sustainability.
The factory goes above and beyond by LEED certifying its buildings, making them one of the greenest operators in the game. They also have long-standing partnerships with local nonprofits, such as Cambodia’s Room to Read, which focuses on literacy and gender equality. The facility has worked with various partners to build many schools and libraries, as well as to sponsor secondary school education for hundreds of girls.