November 12, 2026 OIA Catalyst mapped the outdoor industry’s next sustainability challenges

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) gathered sustainability practitioners and business leaders in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 26 for the 2026 Catalyst Conference. Sessions ranged from climate targets and AI to California’s new textile EPR law.

According to OIA, the outdoor industry is navigating a rapidly changing sustainability landscape, from new regulations and climate commitments to circularity and supply chain risks. Artificial intelligence and the need to connect sustainability with business value are also on that list.

The Catalyst Conference set out to tackle those questions together. Held at the Oregon Convention Center as Day 0 of Functional Fabric Fair powered by Performance Days, the conference was presented by the Gore-Tex brand with support from Hyosung TNC. OIA describes it as the summit for sustainable outdoor business leadership, built around candid conversations, practical strategies and peer-to-peer problem solving.

Kent Ebersole, president of OIA, says:

“The outdoor industry is facing challenges that no company can solve alone. Catalyst is about bringing the right people together to connect the dots, share what’s working, be honest about what isn’t, and turn those conversations into meaningful action. OIA’s role is to help our industry navigate what’s ahead and give businesses the tools and connections they need to lead.”

From targets to tradeoffs

The program was built around featured conversations with leaders from across the industry. Brooks Running, REI Co-op and MAS Holdings shared strategies and lessons from their progress toward climate targets, while Patagonia, Bemis Worldwide, Matereal and Alante Capital explored the opportunities and tradeoffs of AI.

Budgets were also on the table. Executives from W.L. Gore & Associates, Keen and Lenzing examined how sustainability leaders can secure budget and executive buy-in.

From chemistry to new legislation

Several sessions turned to the supply chain. Chemistry experts from Bluesign and Burton Snowboards addressed solvent use, and stakeholders from CalRecycle, Landbell USA and Columbia Sportswear discussed how companies can implement and prepare for California’s textile extended producer responsibility (EPR) law.

Durability formed another thread, with experts from Gore-Tex and Red Wing Shoe Company presenting it as a cornerstone of circularity. Regulatory experts also led discussions on sustainability regulations worldwide.

Functional Fabric Fair followed on Oct. 27 and 28.