PRODUCTS
RSLVE is committed to providing products with sustainable attributes. A minimum of 75% of the products we offer meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Certified Organic Cotton
- Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
- 50%+ Recycled Materials
- 50%+ Renewable Plant Fibers; or, Sustainable Alternative Materials
- OEKO-TEX or Bluesign Certified
- Sourced from a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition
- Sourced from low impact suppliers
- Reusable
LOGO & GRAPHIC APPLICATIONS
The majority of Screen and Heat Transfer logos are applied to RSLVE products using water-based inks, which are environmentally preferable to traditional plastisol printing, while providing high-quality colors and durability. Further, the printing methods avoid the use of aerosols and implement state of the art water filtration systems to further protect air and water from pollution. Embroidered products utilize thread that is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp and dyed by ISO and OEKO-TEX certified manufacturers to ensure that the thread is free from any harmful substances. All other potential logo applications are used in consideration of their environmental impact.
PACKAGING
RSLVE extends its commitment to sustainability to our packaging materials. We utilize sustainable packaging products such as recycled poly mailers, compostable/curbside recyclable paper mailers, and recycled packing tape. Depending on the availability of supply, RSLVE’s preference is to use 100% recycled cardboard boxes. In addition to utilizing sustainable packaging materials, RSLVE is continuously assessing opportunities to further reduce the quantity of packaging materials used, minimizing both cost and waste. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions , RSLVE will drop-ship samples/orders directly from manufacturers and suppliers when feasible. In such instances, packaging is subject to our suppliers’ specifications.
We will only offer reusable accessories that promote sustainability (e.g. reusable drinkware). Low impact suppliers are those who have measurably lower water consumption, carbon emissions, and chemical effluents compared to internal baselines or industry benchmarks.
SUSTAINABILITY AT RSLVE
RSLVE operates a business model that is designed to be low impact and is committed to managing our operations in a responsible and sustainable manner. As such, we intend to become a certified B Corporation to exhibit our commitment to sustainability. Our internal sustainability program is based on the following pillars:
- Minimizing Environmental Impacts: Our commitment to the environment begins with our own practices. At RSLVE, we make efforts to minimize our energy and water consumption and waste production. During our first year of operation, we will measure our energy consumption and carbon emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol standard. We’ll use this information to design and implement a greenhouse gas reduction plan and neutralize our remaining carbon footprint by purchasing offsets. Moving forward with the clarity of baseline data, we’ll identify and implement opportunities to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions at a rate that exceeds the thresholds of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). RSLVE is
committed to becoming completely carbon neutral (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2025. RSLVE gives preference to sustainable products and suppliers when procuring office supplies. We do not procure disposable plastics and choose paperless options whenever possible. - Uplifting our People: Our people are our greatest asset, and as such, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity and providing our employees with a work environment where they can thrive. RSLVE is an equal opportunity employer and has a zero tolerance policy for all forms of discrimination. Opportunities for employment are granted based solely on merit, the needs of the company, and the qualifications of the candidate. In line with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, RSLVE intends to feature diverse ethnicities and body types in our marketing content.
- Giving back to the Planet and Community: RSLVE considers itself a member of the community in which it operates and a steward of the planet. As such, RSLVE participates in a range of volunteering activities that benefit local community members and ecosystems, such as beach cleanups, tree planting, youth athletic team sponsorships/coaching, educational activities and programs, and internet content that
promotes social and environmental awareness. RSLVE has chosen 1% For The Planet, Surfrider Foundation and Coral Restoration Foundation as its adopted charities, providing financial support and participating in events on an annual basis. All RSLVE employees are provided paid time off to participate in charitable volunteering activities to encourage them to give back to the community and environment.
SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE VALUE CHAIN
RSLVE’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond our operations as we seek to engage with suppliers who share our values. RSLVE has developed a customized sustainability scorecard to strategically assess the sustainability of all potential vendors and partners. Potential suppliers are assessed based on predetermined sustainability criteria and given an overall score. Supplier sustainability scores are considered when selecting new suppliers. RSLVE gives preference to suppliers that share our commitment to sustainable business when all other critical business needs are being met.
RSLVE assesses supplier sustainability based on sustainability disclosures, impact performance, product attributes and certifications, reputation, ethical labor practices, and track record of compliance. RSLVE will not engage with any suppliers or partners in the case that any major environmental, social, or ethical violations have been identified during due diligence. Applicable suppliers must achieve a minimum score and meet all prerequisites to be considered. In addition, the average score across all applicable suppliers (based on procurement spend), must exceed our average supply chain score threshold. Vendors are evaluated using a proprietary point system that considers the following sustainability indicators:
SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT
● Does the supplier/manufacturer publish sustainability targets and disclosures?
● Does the supplier/manufacturer demonstrate improvements on its baseline impacts
GHG?
● Does the supplier/manufacturer have its environmental data verified by a third-party?
● Does the supplier/manufacturer make a commitment to fair/ethical wage and labor practices?
● Does the supplier/manufacturer engage and invest in local communities?
● Does the supplier/manufacturer collaborate with industry competitors on
sustainability issues?
● Does the supplier/manufacturer belong to environmental or social-focused
associations?
● Is the supplier/manufacturer in compliance with applicable environmental, social, and
economic regulations?
● Has the supplier/manufacturer obtained any quality or sustainability certifications?
● Does the supplier/manufacturer use Higg Index Tools?
● Has the manufacturer innovated the manufacturing process to reduce impacts?
● Is the product manufactured in the United States?
Exclusions apply to any suppliers who represent less than 5% of RSLVE’s total purchasing spend
MATERIALS
- Do sourced products feature at least one of the following?
- Certified Organic Cotton
- Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
- 50%+ Recycled Materials
- 50%+ Renewable Plant Fibers; or, Sustainable Alternative Materials
- OEKO-TEX or Bluesign Certified
- Utilize lower-impact production process
- Other eco certifications
PACKAGING
- Does the supplier use other environmentally preferable packaging materials
DISTRIBUTION/LOGISTICS
- Does the supplier/manufacturer conduct logistics optimization?
- Does the supplier/manufacturer use EV, Hybrid, or Fuel efficient vehicles?
- Does the supplier/manufacturer make other efforts to reduce GHG emissions from distribution?
RSLVE + RETRIEVR TAKE BACK PROGRAM
RSLVE is committed to help close material cycles and reduce waste by accepting our materials back from our customers when they have reached the end of their life. RSLVE accepts all materials back from our customers and helps avoid wasting materials that can be recycled or reused. We have an initial goal of accepting and recycling 2,000 lbs. of material and partnering with Retrievr to close the loop by recycling our used products instead of sending them to the landfill. Together with Retrievr, we aim to return our used products to their highest and best reuse.
Disclaimer: Sustainability is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. As such, RSLVE’s reserves the right to update and modify its policies without notice. Please feel free to contact us with questions about our sustainability policies info@rslve.com