The
Icebreaker Philosophy
Icebreaker is about ice breaking. It's about our relationship
to nature, and to each other. And it's about new ideas
and doing things differently; being an authentic natural
choice in an age of synthetics, and seeing how far we
can develop this simple idea. We think it's a 100 year
idea, and we're just learning to walk.
Each year we procure the best merino wool in the world,
directly from the best growers in the world, up high
in the very pure Southern Alps of New Zealand. If the
fibre didn't work, the animals would die every time it
snowed. But it does, and they don't.
From there our hand-picked pure merino goes in search
of the best technology, ethical manufacturing, and environmentally
sound practices before it completes its transformation
into a hand-made Icebreaker.
And then, maybe you saw it and discovered it for yourself.
Will you do something extraordinary in yours? We believe
in dreams, and in the human spirit.
Put together, it all makes common sense; a natural high-performance
clothing system and a fresh set of ideas based on respect
for nature, ethics, and sustainability. We have built
a platform to prove that nature is cool, and not everything
has to be made of plastic.
Yes, it is possible to build a company that doesn't
deliver at the expense of our environment. We have, and
you are a part of it.
Jeremy Moon, Founder and CEO
Integrity360
Icebreaker Intergrity360 is about environmental leadership
in terms of how our company is built and how we behave.
We take a 360 degree view of corporate and
social responsibility and put it into action. For us
that's about building sustainable, low-impact, highly
ethical supply chain, with deep integrity. Most companies
start with fabric and much of the damage has already
been done -- we start with the pure fibre and take responsibility
for the whole process.
Environmentally Aware
We do need to use packaging, but we have an environmentally
responsible source. It's not a perfect world, but we
are trying to help.
Pure Source
We have long-term contracts that pay a significant price
premium to our selected New Zealand growers. The contributes
to on-farm profitability and sustainability, correct
land use and the highest animal welfare standards --
with not an oil tanker in sight.
Low Pollution
Access to the best technology and practices in the world
minimizes pollution. We meet ISO14001 and ECOTEX1 environmental
standards. On-site water purification plants for all
sites. Guaranteed no external or internal exposure to
chemicals or dyestuffs.
Energy Efficient
With energy at a premium, the issue is growing in importance.
A recent life cycle assessment shows nylon fabrics use
5 times, acrylic fabrics 3.8 times and polyester fabrics
2.7 times more energy to manufacture than icebreaker
merino fabrics.
Respect For People
Our manufacturing staff are paid a premium above average
neighboring wage, which makes a positive social impact.
We guarantee excellent working conditions covering lighting,
air, temperature, environment, housing, meals and equal
opportunities.
365-Day Versatility
HOT: Superfine Breathability
Our Superfine yarns are so naturally breathable that, like the merino itself,
you stay cool in even the hottest conditions.
COLD: Superfine Insulation
Because the Superfine fibres are so fine, they are more naturally insulating.
These lightweight garments keep you toasty when they sun vacates the sky,
and your night is just starting.
Icebreaker
For more information on Icebreaker, please visit their website at www.icebreaker.com
