HOW WE MAKE APPAREL

BUILDING THE SHIP

The journey to being Ocean Positive needs a solid ship. Building the Ship represents the very foundation of our business and how we make our products. It shapes the decisions we make about all the actions that enable us to reduce our impact on the planet, play our part in regenerating it, and pay the closest attention to the people behind our products. It's why we focus on these three key areas: Ocean Conservation, Materials & Technologies, and Supply Chain.

READ OUR 2023 IMPACT REPORT

KEY DATES FOR NORTH SAILS APPAREL

THE OCEAN POSITIVE JOURNEY SO FAR

2018

Achieved the ISO 14001 certification for the Environmental Management System and the SA 8000 certification for the Social Accountability Management System.

2019

Introduced recycled nylon and polyester in our collections, increasing their share from 1% to 37% and 47%, respectively.

Adopted FSC Recycled and Mix paper for hangtags and packaging.

Transitioned all Italian retail stores and offices to 100% renewable electricity.

Achieved the ISO 45001 certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management across all Italian offices and stores.

2020

Implemented a Global Supplier Code of Conduct aligned with International Labor Organization’s core labor standards to protect our partners’ workforce.

2021

Became a founding member of 30x30 Italia, committing to the protection of 30% of Italian seas by 2030.

Achieved the B Corp Certification (in June).

Introduced Organic Cotton in our collection - increasing its use from 1% to 65% of total cotton.

Increased the share of Recycled Nylon and Recycled Polyester in our collections, reaching 80% and 76%, respectively.

2022

Launched our first upcycled styles made from deadstock materials.

Introduced our Closed Loop Design collection—a sailing industry first.

Organized Eco-Design and Circularity workshops for our Product and Design teams.

Established an internal ESG Committee with members from all departments.

2023

Joined the Microfibre Consortium.

Ran a full-scope carbon footprint review of our entire business.

Completed the first Life Cycle Analysis of our two best-selling products: the Classic Polo Tee and the Sailor Jacket.

70% of our team in Italy participated in at least 8 hours of volunteering for environmental and social causes.

Launched an upcycling partnership with 727 Sailbags.

Surveyed our suppliers on key environmental and social topics.

Launched our first Repair service for all our Gore-Tex Pro products.

2024

Began piloting glassine paper bags to replace LDPE polybags across our supply chain.

Goals for 2025 and beyond

100% of outerwear in FW2026 will be PFAS-Free.

100% of our main collection will be made with Preferred Materials—with a proven lower ecological impact than conventional ones.

All international locations will be powered by renewable electricity.

All our teams will participate in at least 8 hours of volunteering in one year.

OCEAN CONSERVATION

About 97% of Earth's water is in the ocean, which covers 70% of the Earth’s surface. The ocean has a fundamental role in regulating our climate and weather patterns, and produces 50% of the oxygen on Earth.

We support projects that focus on preserving the ocean’s biodiversity and ecosystems, such as our partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)—supporting essential work to safeguard animals all over the world.

About 97% of Earth's water is in the ocean, which covers 70% of the Earth’s surface. The ocean has a fundamental role in regulating our climate and weather patterns, and produces 50% of the oxygen on Earth.

We support projects that focus on preserving the ocean’s biodiversity and ecosystems, such as our partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)—supporting essential work to safeguard animals all over the world.

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MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES

The fashion industry has a significant effect on our planet. It’s why we are committed to reducing the impact of our products by continuously researching innovative materials and fibers for our collections, and by using the most responsible manufacturing processes we can find.

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SUPPLY CHAIN

We recognize the value of the work done by people in our supply chain and also acknowledge the importance of knowing where our clothing is coming from. By putting initiatives in place aimed at increasing traceability and transparency, we always work to ensure that the highest standards in terms of human and labor rights are respected. And to clarify our expectations with business and supply chain partners, we have developed a Global Supplier Code of Conduct.

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