Climbing rope manufacturer Sterling has achieved a pretty big milestone.
There are always hurdles for any brand becoming more sustainable, but when all a brand does is use high-tension fibers and yarns to make safety equipment, it’s even harder. Yup, you guessed it — we’re talking climbing ropes.
Despite the challenges, Sterling Rope Company of Biddeford, Maine, managed to make it happen. The rope maker just announced that it will achieve carbon neutrality in 2021.
This is made possible by a host of efforts — forming sustainability guidelines, reusing scrap rope fibers in other products, initiating a consumer Rope Recycling Program, and using solar power, to name a few.
Sterling Rope achieved carbon neutrality this month by offsetting 100% of its emissions with the purchase of carbon credits. To further its mission, it partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation.
“After our audit of carbon emissions, we wanted to find the right partner for conservation and environmental sustainability,” said Tripp Wyckoff, CEO of Vertical Supply Group (Sterling’s parent brand).
“Considering our business connection to trees and forests, the Arbor Day Foundation was a natural fit. With their help, we are excited to embark on this journey to become a more sustainable company,” Wyckoff added.
In partnership with Arbor Day, Sterling Rope will plant 5,000 trees in Florida’s Econfina Creek watershed reforestation project. The Arbor Day Foundation is one of the world’s largest conservation foundations. Its mission revolves around planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. Learn more about its planting projects.
Sterling is still in the certification phase, but it anticipates being an official Climate Neutral Certified brand (through the nonprofit Climate Neutral) by the fall of 2021.
Editor’s Note: Sterling Rope officially became Climate Neutral Certified in November 2021.
