POC Obex BC MIPS Sustainability Report

The Obex BC features a more durable build than most backcountry helmets, thanks to its hybrid in-mold construction that uses a section of ABS hardshell on the exterior. That said, the outer plastic isn’t as thick or dent-resistant as a full-shell resort model. All told, the Obex BC is an excellent pick for a long-lasting backcountry-oriented ski helmet.

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 POC Obex BC MIPS doesn't contain recycled materials. POC chooses materials such as recycled and responsibly sourced bio-materials when possible and focuses on maximizing a product’s durability and recyclability. The company uses recycled materials in its backpacks, Myelin helmets, and, since 2021, its top-selling cycling apparel, which features a Global Recycled Standard-certified recycled polyester.

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.

POC doesn’t appear to produce its products in factories that meet responsible manufacturing standards, such as Fair Trade Certified or other common certifications. We require brands to participate in a third-party program that provides certification and regular audits to ensure safe working conditions, fair wages, and reduced environmental impact.

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.

POC is updating its packaging to feature responsible, recyclable materials. However, the company hasn’t shared its progress and doesn’t disclose what materials it currently uses to package its products.

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.

POC doesn’t track its greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

POC’s parent company (Investcorp) publishes an annual impact report, but it doesn’t mention POC. Therefore, it doesn’t fulfill this criterion.

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.