Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Sustainability Report

The Lifa Merino combines a polypro interior with a merino exterior (57% merino, 43% polypropylene). This two-layer construction adds some structural durability, though the outer wool face can still show signs of wear over time. It performs well with regular use but is best kept under a shell or midlayer.

Choosing durable outdoor gear is perhaps the most effective way to reduce environmental impact—the longer it lasts, the less it needs to be produced. Our proprietary longevity rating evaluates overall build quality based on factors such as materials, fabric denier, component durability (including zippers and toggles), real-world performance as reported by our field testers, and our experiences with the brand. Overall, we feel strongly that reducing overall consumption is a cornerstone of sustainability.

The Helly Hansen Lifa Merino base layer uses wool produced by ZQ growers. In 2024—the most recent year with available data—90% of the wool used by Helly Hansen was certified to either the ZQ or Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). Details about the specific certification for each product can be found on its product page.

There are two leading certification systems for sustainably sourced wool in the outdoor industry: the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and ZQ Wool. The Responsible Wool Standard, set by The Textile Exchange, ensures wool suppliers follow best farming practices, including sustainable land management and animal and social welfare. ZQ Wool provides similar environmental and social standards and supports a network of growers who aim to sequester more carbon than they emit. Some brands use less widespread equivalent certifications, which we consider when appropriate.

The Lifa Merino does not incorporate any recycled materials. In 2024, Helly Hansen used 36% recycled polyester, up from 24% in 2022. Unfortunately, it used only 6% recycled nylon in 2024. Still, the brand has plans to source 100% preferred materials by 2030 (which include recycled materials and responsibly-sourced natural fibers).

Outdoor gear can be made partly or entirely from recycled materials, the most common being nylon, polyester, wool, and down. Some products include a single recycled component or a partially recycled fabric, while others are 100% recycled (generally excluding accessories like zippers, Velcro, toggles, etc.). For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate the amount of recycled materials in a particular product and assign points accordingly.

While the Helly Hansen Lifa Merino does not use any Bluesign-approved materials, the majority of Helly Hansen’s materials and trims are Bluesign approved, and the company is working to increase the number of items certified as Bluesign Products. Helly Hansen has been a Bluesign System Partner since 2008.

Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile certification system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A Bluesign-approved material indicates that it has undergone a rigorous vetting process based on the criteria above. A Bluesign Product goes the next mile, containing at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and at least 30% Bluesign-approved accessories.

Helly Hansen has committed to supplier standards set by the Amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), which sets standards for safe working conditions, fair wages, environmental protection, and more. Around half of Helly Hansen’s finished goods factories are audited by Amfori BSCI, and of those, just under half earn “A” or “B” ratings. We have not been able to confirm the ratings that the brand’s other Amfori BSCI-audited suppliers earn. Suppliers that are not audited by Amfori are audited by other programs, including Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production and the Social and Labor Convergence Program.

This criterion evaluates a brand's commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing its environmental impact throughout the production process. Responsible manufacturing is most commonly demonstrated through certifications and membership in programs such as Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accreditation of Production, and the Fair Labor Association. We also recognize brands that prioritize local production, such as those that manufacture primarily in the United States or Europe, to reduce carbon emissions, maintain better oversight of working conditions, and comply with strict social and environmental regulations.

All of Helly Hansen’s hang tags and in-store shopping bags are made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified recycled paper. Additionally, in 2021, the brand started using 100% recycled poly bags. The brand is working to reduce its overall packaging use, but does not specify the total reductions it has made.

Packaging can add significant waste to an outdoor gear purchase and often ends up in landfills. Many brands are using recycled packaging and/or making efforts to reduce packaging altogether. For example, they may use a certain percentage of recycled cardboard or make efforts to use less plastic or paper across their packaging operation. In some cases, brands also use Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, which helps to ensure sustainable sourcing of forest materials.

Helly Hansen does not offer a resale or recycling program for used gear. At one point, the brand piloted a ski resort uniform recycling program, but unfortunately, the program is no longer active. It is also working toward making single-material garments that are 100% recyclable, but it does not yet offer a recycling program to take responsibility for these products at the end of life.

Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation for longer and out of landfills. The most common form is a trade-in program, where consumers can exchange items for store credit, which is then resold. Some brands accept products back for recycling at the end of their life, thereby reducing waste. Occasionally, some do both.

Helly Hansen tracks its greenhouse gas emissions using Higg Index tools. In 2024, the brand committed to reducing its emissions by 42% by 2030 across all scopes (compared to its 2022 baseline year). The Science Based Targets Initiative verified Helly Hansen’s emissions reduction target in 2025. The brand has yet to set a long-term net-zero target, but as of 2024, the brand has reduced its total emissions by 70,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent compared to its baseline measurement.

This criterion evaluates whether this brand measures its greenhouse gas emissions, along with its commitment to reduction and transparency in reporting. Typically, we require brands to follow established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. Most companies use the widely recognized scope categorization system for measuring brand emissions. Those who earn the most points in this category have emissions reduction goals verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a global organization that helps companies set greenhouse gas reduction targets in line with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C. To verify their goals through SBTi, companies undergo a rigorous assessment process and continual follow-up to ensure consistent progress towards achieving their targets.

Helly Hansen publishes an annual impact report detailing its sustainability goals and progress. The report covers a variety of topics but lacks the depth of data provided by leading brands. Still, it offers useful information on the brand’s efforts to use low-impact materials, reduce its chemical footprint, and set emissions reduction targets. However, the report does not include greenhouse gas emissions data, representing a notable gap in transparency.

An impact report is an important step toward transparency and accountability on the sustainability front. These reports vary in form but generally cover topics such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions tracking, waste and water usage, supply chain analysis, and packaging efforts. For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate this criterion based on the depth and quality of the information provided in the report, and how often it is produced. Some brands produce their own impact report, while others are published by their parent company. In practice, we’ve found that reports produced by individual brands include more detailed information about their sustainability efforts.