Picture Organic Sustainability
Skiing is not a cheap hobby, it can also be very taxing for the environment depending on the decisions that we make about how we get there, the resorts we choose and their sustainability credentials and even the equipment and clothing we use to ski in. It can be tricky knowing what choices to make in this arena, but luckily one company has made it a pretty straightforward choice when it comes to ski and snowboard clothing.
In 2008 the French company Picture Organic started their journey with the intention to create clothes for the outdoor environment in the most sustainable way possible, limiting their impact on the environment by avoiding the traditional manufacturing methods which got us into this mess and through this journey encourage and educate the consumer.
B Corp Certification was awarded to Picture Organic in 2019, which means that they are ‘meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.’
But it does not stop there, the certification creates a roadmap from which Picture Organic can keep growing and improving further. With 84% of its products being made in Turkey or Taiwan, Picture Organic continues to increase the use of renewable and low-carbon energies at the factories making their garments.
Waterproof garments are integral to outdoor environments, many of the current waterproofing treatments utilise horrendous chemical processes which can cause health issues for humans and animals so they utilise a PFC-free water repellent treatment called Teflon EcoElite™. Much of the Bio-polyester required for their products is partially derived from Sugar Cane, and most of the polyester is made from recycled bottles.
Picture Organic is extremely transparent about its processes and where it currently is on its journey concerning its sustainability and its plan for the future, it is a pleasure to see them lead the way.
Picture Organic Clothing
So, now we know what is at the heart of Picture Organic, what is it like to ski the mountain in their products. We were lucky enough to test a selection of women’s and men’s clothing, of note were the outer layers made from Xpore a sustainable and high performance nano-porous membrane, an ultra light fabric that is waterproof as well as breathable, very important to stop sweat and condensation building up and causing hypothermia.
Charlotte tried the outer layer jacket from the Allea 3L Xpore range partnered with the Tehanie Hybrid Jacket for some insulation. An elegant touring style jacket that with the correct layering system is perfect for all seasons and both on and off-piste skiing. With lots of pockets and adjustable cuffs, Charlotte really liked the tailored cut and how it matched with the mid layer and backpack.
I took the outer layers Lassen 3L Xpore jacket and Bib Pants out for a spin. The bib-style cut of the pants was super comfortable and protected my abdomen extremely well in deep powder or harsh winds. Pocket placement is integral for me personally and Picture Organic have it just right on these two garments from ski pass placement, pockets on the chest that backpacks do not interfere with to pockets on the front of the thighs for maps, mints and that all-important piece of string that I always have on my person. The whole set-up worked extremely well when the weather turned against us, I felt pretty safe in my Picture Organic cocoon.
For insulation I tried the Hi Puff Down JKT and Mid Puff Down Pants, I had to do everything to stop Charlotte from pinching the Hi Puff Down JKT, she particularly liked the shiny black finish but the real clincher was the warmth once inside this very lightweight jacket; the outer Pertex® 20D nano ripstop creates the perfect defence against wind whilst the 100% Recycled RDS (Responsible Down Standard certified) Down is made from 80/20 duck down, the sleeping bag that you can wear. The Mid Puff Down Pants were brilliant, I looked like some kind of Elizabethan with massive puffy pants, but as a result, these are ideal when the mountain wants to throw its worst at you.
Picture Organic Backpacks
As well as garments we tried some of the Picture Organic 100% recycled material backpacks. Charlotte tried the Komit 22 Backpack and I put the Komit.TR 26 backpack to the test. Overall we liked the design, with many design features which proved very useful on the mountain.
These backpacks have certainly been designed by a team who frequent the mountain with such features as tough waterproof compartments for crampons, many external attachment points without too many unnecessary straps, a waistband pouch for quick access and I loved the way the main compartment had a couple of access points to help reach that item that always ends up at the bottom. My Camelpak also integrated well into the backpack while Charlotte’s had a handy top pocket that could be accessed quickly on the mountain without taking the backpack off. These backpacks are like tiny labyrinths with so many features, pockets and places to store equipment.
It seems it is possible to buy ski and snowboard clothing and backpacks that are sustainably sourced and made, that are technically well designed and thought through, and that look good on the mountain all at a similar price to equivalent outdoor clothing. May Picture Organic keep leading the way in sustainable outdoor mountain clothing.
For more information visit Picture Organic
