Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Sustainability Report

The Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe is a solid option for a sustainable synthetic base layer, but it doesn’t top our list. That being said, it stands out as the only base layer we tested that is a Bluesign Product (meaning it contains more than 90% Bluesign-approved fabric and more than 30% Bluesign-approved accessories). Additionally, the Lifa Stripe features a solution-dyed primary fabric, boosting its score. However, unlike other synthetic base layers, the Lifa Stripe does not incorporate any recycled materials.

At the brand level, Helly Hansen excels in some of our sustainability metrics and lags behind similar brands in others. We love that Helly Hansen tracks its greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes—and more importantly, that it is making progress toward meeting its Science Based Targets Initiative-verified emissions-reduction targets. The brand has also made efforts to reduce its packaging impact, using 100% recycled poly bags for its products and recycled, Forest Stewardship Council-certified in-store shopping bags and hang tags. Since 2012, Helly Hansen has published an annual impact report detailing its progress toward sustainability initiatives, but compared with similar brands' reports, it offers somewhat limited data. Unfortunately, Helly Hansen falls behind similar brands when it comes to circularity initiatives: it only offers repairs for products covered under warranty and does not offer a resale or recycling program for used gear.

Below, we break down in detail all of the Lifa Stripe's sustainability attributes at the product and brand level, including links to in-depth articles on relevant topics. For more, see our guide to the best base layers and our review of the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe.