The Polygiene Group™ is pleased to announce it has joined Europe’s leading outdoor industry association, the European Outdoor Group (EOG). EOG membership represents the logical next step in Polygiene’s mission to transform the outdoor clothing and textile sectors by helping manufacturers develop more sustainable products and facilitating the transition from consumables to durables.
The Polygiene philosophy – “For Mindful Living” – depends on our ability to forge strong, meaningful, and long-lasting relationships with partners in the outdoor industry. Working with the EOG positions Polygiene at the forefront of the industry, ensures we play a pivotal role in defining the sector’s response to some of its most pressing challenges, and offers access to a diverse, well-informed, and influential network of decision-makers.
Representing the interests of an evolving outdoor sector
Founded 20 years ago by 19 of Europe’s largest outdoor companies, the European Outdoor Group has gradually expanded to encompass more than 100 members. It represents the industry’s interests to the European Commission, NGOs, and other stakeholders, while managing and organizing market research, events, shows, and other relevant projects.
Built on three key pillars – Business, Nature, and Activity – the EOG aims to promote outdoor-related commerce, preserve the natural environment, and encourage consumers to participate in outdoor activities. As the voice of the outdoor industry in Europe, it is an agenda-setting organization that influences the way the sector works to meet its sustainability goals.
Stepping towards a more sustainable outdoor industry
Ulrika Björk, CEO of Polygiene, explained how EOG membership enables Polygiene to fulfill its sustainability ambitions. “We are very pleased to become a member of the European Outdoor Group and to further strengthen our existing relationships with individual players at the association level. As a key technology provider, we are keen to play an active role in shaping the upcoming challenges of the entire outdoor and textile industry.”
Markus Hefter, Global Category Director of Sport & Outdoor Polygiene Group, expanded on Ulrika’s comments. “As an ingredient brand, it is important to understand the needs of potential customers. Becoming a European Outdoor Group member helps us achieve that. I am very much looking forward to the active exchange and networking with the industry’s biggest decision-makers. Over the coming weeks, we will start to work with other EOG members and initiate several joint projects.”
Arne Strate, General Secretary of the European Outdoor Group, was similarly enthusiastic about Polygiene’s membership. “Pre-competitive collaboration is one of the largest challenges of our time and requires all stakeholders to work together. This is why we have opened up membership of the EOG to the full value chain of our sector. Polygiene is joining for exactly the right reasons.”