Spotlight on Stormtech: Performance Clothing, Perfect for Outdoor Uniforms
/Stormtech is a progressive brand who manufacture outstanding outdoor performance clothing, however, it’s not just the exceptional quality of their products which makes them stand out.
Their future-focused approach to championing sustainability and ethical practices is what makes Stormtech such a brilliant company to work with and one of our go to brands for client’s looking for one of the most stylish and ethical corporate clothing ranges for 2023.
There are many reasons why businesses are looking for great weather proof gear - whether you need to source uniforms for your employees who spend a lot of time outdoors, or to kit out your team for a corporate away day or even to create quality branded merchandise for your clients, Stormtech can step up to the challenge.
Here are our top five reasons why Stormtech could be the perfect fit for your next uniform project...
1. Quality
Quality and durability have been at the heart of Stormtech’s mission since day one. This Canadian brand understands the importance of building products capable of enduring tough conditions. Through precise craftsmanship and the use of quality materials, every Stormtech garment is built to be functional and long-lasting. They’re so confident in their products’ exceptional quality that they provide a warranty of up to five years on each of their garments, covering any potential manufacturing defects. Anyone wearing a Stormtech garment can trust that it will give them the best protection in a wide variety of weather conditions.
2. Environmental commitment
These days, businesses and consumers are thinking about more than just quality - the environmental impact of the goods and services we buy is also a major consideration.
Stormtech is committed to making quality garments which don’t cost the Earth. Sustainability is a top priority of theirs, and they aim to introduce sustainable practices throughout their manufacturing process. They seek to reduce waste and utilise recycled content wherever they can.
Stormtech has also launched a number of initiatives which aim to improve sustainability and reduce the impact their company and supply chains have on the environment. Their clothing line Pure Earth makes extensive use of recycled polyester (RPET), which is made by recycling PET plastic found in landfills and waterways. Stormtech have also partnered with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), a global sustainability programme which works with cotton farmers to minimise the negative impact of fertilisers and pesticides on the environment, protect natural habitats and improve working conditions for farmers and farm workers.
Introducing the Boulder Thermal Shell. This lightweight jacket looks great and keeps you warm, but it also has a secret superpower: its water-repellent finish is entirely PFC-free.
Not sure what PFCs are? They’re per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals. In the past, because of their water-repellent qualities these chemicals were often used to treat outdoor gear like tents and jackets. But during manufacturing, cleaning and use these chemicals find their way into the environment, where they take a very long time to break down. Research has found that PFCs accumulate in ecosystems and in animals’ bodies. Traces have even been found in the livers of polar bears in the Arctic. PFCs can also cause health complications in humans, affecting the hormonal system (and therefore fertility and reproductive functions) and accelerating tumour growth. In short, PFCs are seriously bad news for the environment and for humans.
Environmental groups have long been campaigning for a ban on PFCs. In 2015 Greenpeace led eight expeditions to remote mountainous locations on three continents. They found traces of PFCs in snow samples taken from every site they visited. It’s ironic that brands selling outdoor wear are contributing to the destruction of the wild spaces they love so much.
In 2018, Stormtech announced that they had succeeded in eliminating PFCs from all their water repellent garments. Using innovative technology, they have created a finish which is still highly DWR (durable water repellent) without harming the earth. Anyone buying a Stormtech garment, such as the Boulder shell, can feel confident that they are getting a quality jacket which will keep them warm and dry, but without having a detrimental impact on the planet and their own health.
3. Ethical principles
We know that Stormtech is constantly raising the bar with their focus on environmental consciousness and sustainability, but what about the people manufacturing the products? Are Stormtech committed to giving their workers a fair deal?
The world of fast fashion has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years for the appalling treatment which many workers receive at the hands of big fashion brands. Stormtech, however, have made responsible sourcing practices a priority. They say that they are committed to selling products that are manufactured under “legal, safe and fair working conditions in factories where employees are treated fairly”. Their Ethical Sourcing Policy is designed to ensure that their global sourcing supply chain operates according to Stormtech’s requirements and all legal requirements regarding issues such as child labour, forced labour, wages, working hours, harassment, health and safety and factory security. They also have strict requirements and codes of conduct in place to vet any suppliers they work with.
Stormtech’s claims regarding ethical responsibility are confirmed by a number of third-party certifications. Products such as the Endurance HD Polo are BSCI-certified. This means they have been certified by the FTA (Foreign Trade Association)’s Business Social Compliance Initiative, which strives to create ethical global supply chains. The facilities manufacturing Stormtech garments like the Endurance HD Polo are also WRAP certified, indicating that they are currently meeting (or exceeding) international social compliance standards.
Stormtech have also demonstrated their passion for engaging young people in the great outdoors through a number of solo and partner initiatives: these include Take a Hike, 1:1 and Street2Peak. In summary, Stormtech is an organisation which champions social and ethical responsibility.
4. Innovation
Stormtech’s progressive mindset regarding environmental and ethical commitments goes hand-in-hand with their passion for innovation. Making good use of their 40 years’ experience developing advanced fabric technologies, Stormtech’s garments feature the latest in innovative design.
Let’s take a look at the Zurich Thermal Jacket, a garment which delivers on style, quality and functionality. It’s not just a good-looking jacket – it features Stormtech’s advanced technical climatology. Stormtech’s H2XTREME technology creates a highly waterproof finish that is also breathable.
Unlike other chemical coatings which close the pores in the material (making it waterproof but not breathable), H2XTREME has microscopic holes in the fabric which let moisture vapour (i.e. sweat) escape while keeping wind and rain out. Say goodbye to sweaty uphill climbs in the driving rain – H2XTREME will keep you dry and comfortably cool. All in all, a much more pleasant experience for both the wearer and those around them!
5. Great availability
Last but certainly not least, Stormtech is a great option for businesses because their gear is available to corporate clients. This means that there is always a good supply of stock, which is great news for businesses wanting to place bulk orders. Stormtech offers a rare opportunity to purchase high-quality outdoor wear in a way which suits business needs – which is music to the ears of modern businesses! Their products are also ideally suited for customising with your company logo and 4Couture can ensure branding doesn’t impact any of the technical features such as the waterproofing.
Wrapping up: why Stormtech is worth it
When you buy gear from Stormtech, you know that you’re buying a product which has been made to high ethical standards with minimal cost to the environment. Not only do Stormtech deliver on quality, comfort and durability (aspects which are essential considerations for any business looking for great outdoor clothing). They’re driven by a sense of environmental and social responsibility, and they’re all about using innovation to create a better world for the future.
At 4Couture, we’re also a future-focused company who are passionate about doing business better. We partner with many great brands like Stormtech who are committed to delivering quality products whilst following ethical principles. Get in touch today to find out how we can help your company source brilliant apparel!