For vehicle-based adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kind, Thule is a name that needs no introduction. Known globally for its wide range of gear—everything from roof racks and bike carriers to rooftop tents and travel bags—Thule has been in the game since the 1940s. But beyond function and form, the Swedish company is also proving that it’s possible to protect the wild spaces we love while exploring them. Thule Group has become a global leader not just in outdoor lifestyle products but in environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility as well.
Rooted in the Scandinavian respect for nature, Thule’s commitment to the planet is embedded in everything the company does. Its approach to environmental sustainability is both holistic and forward-thinking, grounded in science and bolstered by clear, measurable targets. In 2020, the company joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning its climate goals with the latest scientific consensus aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Thule committed to a 46.2 percent absolute reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, using 2019 as the baseline year. By 2050, the company aims to reach net-zero emissions across its entire value chain.
Achieving these targets means deep changes in how Thule designs, manufactures, and distributes its products. At the product level, Thule emphasizes durability, repairability, and recyclability. Gear is built to last, helping reduce waste and consumption over time. Materials are selected with care, balancing performance with lower environmental impact. The company also works continually to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by using 100 percent renewable electricity across all of its production facilities. In addition, its logistics operations are optimized to lower transport emissions and improve energy efficiency throughout the supply chain.
Thule’s dedication doesn’t stop at environmental concerns—it extends to the people who make and use its products. The company maintains strict sustainability and ethical standards in its global supplier relationships. This includes codes of conduct for labor practices, health and safety requirements, and environmental protections. Transparency is another cornerstone of Thule’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, with annual sustainability reporting that details both progress and areas for improvement.
These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In early 2025, Thule Group was recognized as a global sustainability leader by Sustainalytics, a leading independent ESG research and ratings firm. Out of more than 15,000 companies evaluated worldwide, Thule ranked 50th overall, placing it firmly among the top 0.5 percent of all rated businesses. Within the “Consumer Durables” industry, which includes everything from vehicles to electronics, Thule claimed the number one spot. Sustainalytics awarded the company a “Negligible Risk” rating of 7.1, reflecting Thule’s excellent performance in managing ESG risks and opportunities.
This kind of recognition not only validates the company’s efforts but also sets a benchmark for others in the industry. It shows that businesses that cater to outdoor recreation don’t just have a market-based reason to go green—they have a moral responsibility, too. Thule proves that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand, especially when a company’s mission is so closely tied to nature and the freedom to roam.
Images: Thule Group
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