Especially in the production of outdoor clothing, many hazardous chemicals are used. Not so at ROTAUF. Since 2016, we are one of only three outdoor brands worldwide to be part of the Greenpeace DETOX Commitment. This means that we have committed ourselves to completely avoiding toxic and environmentally harmful chemicals.

Wherever possible, we completely avoid the use of chemicals. If chemicals are necessary, we use only non-hazardous alternatives. If a product cannot be made without hazardous chemicals, we do not bring it to market.

We work exclusively with like-minded partners who can meet the DETOX requirements - whenever possible from Switzerland.

Our Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) lists chemicals whose use in the manufacturing process is completely banned or severely restricted.

With extensive material and wastewater testing, we ensure that our specifications from the MRSL are consistently met.

All our products are manufactured in Switzerland and under Swiss working conditions.

We know all our producers personally, maintain long-term partnerships and visit the production sites several times a year.

We use only organic animal materials:

Organic Merino Series:

Our mulesing-free organic Merino wool comes from sheep farms in South America or Spain with controlled organic animal husbandry.

The Swiss Merino sheep live on organic farms in the Jura and Emmental.

Grisons Wool Series:

The Graubünden wool comes from organic farms in the Disentis area.

Animal welfare

The basis for animal welfare are the so-called 5 freedoms:

1. freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition

The animals have free access to fresh water and receive food that maintains their complete health and vitality.

2. freedom from discomfort

The animals are provided with a suitable environment including shelter and pleasant resting area.

3. freedom from pain, injury and disease

Diseases and injuries of the animals are prevented as far as possible by veterinary care or diagnosed and treated quickly.

4. freedom from fear and suffering

The animals live in conditions that avoid psychological suffering.

5. freedom to express normal behavior

The animals are given sufficient space as well as the company with fellow animals (as long as they are not a solitary animal).

In addition, the organic standard includes, among others, the following points:

- The animals may be treated with antibiotics only in case of illness

- The use of pesticides is regulated

- The animals receive more space and roaming, as well as a roof over their heads

- The feeding of genetically modified plants and the use of mast aids are prohibited

- The animals can reproduce naturally

- Only gentle animal transport

For cost reasons, we have not yet developed a quantified climate strategy. For us, it is more important to invest our limited resources in concrete measures. The major levers for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacture of textiles are well known.

We are implementing the following measures to keep our greenhouse gas emissions as low as possible:

Environmentally friendly materials

We use mostly organic or recycled materials. These leave a much smaller ecological footprint during production compared to conventional materials.

Wet processes in Switzerland

Especially the so-called wet processes - the dyeing and finishing of the fabrics - are very energy and water intensive. Wherever possible, we carry out these wet processes in Switzerland, including for all merino silk products, all organic cotton products or the Insulation 120 Jacket. This allows us to ensure that our fabrics are dyed and finished in energy-efficient factories and with the comparatively low-emission Swiss electricity mix. Many of our Swiss suppliers, including the two largest dyeing plants, rely specifically on renewable energy sources.

Short transport distances

Due to our focus on local production, our products have relatively short transport distances during manufacture. Our organic merino wool from South America, for example, travels around 10,000 kilometers to reach the finished shirt. That's a lot, but comparatively little compared to the 40,000 kilometers that add up for a conventionally produced merino T-shirt. We have the first products made from Swiss and Spanish merino wool in our range, so that we can shorten our transport distances even further in the future.

Climate neutral shipping

All our products are shipped with the climate-compensated "pro clima" shipping of the Swiss Post.

Care

Over the entire life cycle, most greenhouse gas emissions occur during the care of clothing. The following simple measures can greatly reduce these emissions:
- Wash as little as possible - with merino clothes, for example, airing out is often enough.
- Washing at the lowest possible temperatures
- Accurate dosing of the detergent
- Fully loading the washing machine
- Drying the laundry outdoors.

The longevity of our products is an important concern to us.

Physical longevity

We strive to develop and manufacture products that are as robust as possible.

Because we do not use toxic chemicals or blended materials that could further increase the robustness of our products or simplify care, some of our products - especially the Organic Merino Series - require careful care to ensure the longest possible life.

Emotional longevity

Emotional longevity for us means making products that you want to keep for as long as possible.

All our products are made in Switzerland from selected materials and thus receive a soul

As a faithful companion in all your outdoor adventures, our products will inevitably become dear to your heart.

Esthetic longevity

See next point: Timelessness

By timelessness we mean aesthetic longevity: our products should not be fully "in" for one season and afterwards "completely out".

We therefore design simple products with classic cuts and colors. With these you make a good appearance today - and still in 10 years.

Although the outdoor industry likes to tell you otherwise: You do not need a special product for each of your outdoor activities.

We develop our products with a requirement for their multifunctionality. They should be a loyal and functional companion on as many of your outdoor adventures as possible.

We achieve this primarily through versatile cuts and features - and the elimination of activity-specific details.

Our clothing is made for outdoor use and the associated stresses.

This also means that minor or major defects caused by frequent use or carelessness can usually be repaired.

Here you can find out what to do if your product has a defect or you need a replacement part.

We develop products without frills, which simply work and offer you what you effectively need: a high wearing and climate comfort and reliable protection from the elements.

When designing our products, we focus on clear shapes, classic colors and discreet labeling.

The result is timeless and versatile classics, which can be optimally combined and also fit well into everyday life.