Responsible business policy
1. Our Purpose.
As a Certified B Corp™, our mission at Cortazu is simple: to create lasting experiences while re-greening our planet. Specifically, we aim to inspire 10000000 people to enjoy the outdoors and to re-green 100 million square metres of land. Facilitating enthusiasm among adventurers who are passionate about the sustainability of our planet.
2. Human Rights Commitment.
Cortazu is committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights across our business operations, products, supply chain, and business relationships.
As an outdoor brand, we believe that creating products responsibly means protecting the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of the people connected to our business, because the wilderness is meant for all. We aim to conduct business in a way that supports fair, safe, and inclusive working conditions while contributing positively to the communities and environments in which we operate.
Our commitment to impact goes beyond giving back. Cortazu is proud to be part of 1% for the Planet, a global network of businesses committed to supporting environmental solutions through measurable action. Through this commitment, we pledge to contribute 1% of annual sales to certified environmental organizations, helping protect and restore the natural world that inspires every adventure.
At the same time, we believe environmental contributions are most meaningful when they are built on responsible business practices. Our goal is not only to give back 1%, but to ensure that this contribution comes from a business that is committed to operating responsibly and continuously improving its social and environmental impact. We recognize that environmental giving should complement, not replace, responsible practices across our operations and supply chain.
We therefore strive to create products and operate our business in a way that respects people and the planet, aiming to ensure that the positive impact we create through giving is supported by the way we do business every day.
Our approach to human rights is guided by and aligned with:
- the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs);
- the International Bill of Human Rights, including the rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and
- the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
In line with these principles, Cortazu seeks to:
- respect the human rights of employees, workers, suppliers, contractors, customers, and communities connected to our business;
- prohibit forced labour, child labour, discrimination, harassment, and all forms of modern slavery;
- support fair remuneration and safe, healthy, and inclusive working conditions;
- respect freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining in accordance with applicable laws;
- identify, prevent, mitigate, and address adverse human rights impacts linked to our activities and value chain;
- collaborate with suppliers and partners that share our commitment to ethical and responsible business practices; and
- continuously improve our policies, practices, and oversight mechanisms.
This commitment applies across Cortazu and informs our decisions, partnerships, sourcing practices, and long-term sustainability efforts as we continue building products that enable people to explore and protect the outdoors.
3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.
At Cortazu, we believe the outdoors should feel welcoming and accessible to more people. Through our mission to help 10000000 people experience the outdoors and re-green 100 million square metres of land, we aim to inspire a diverse community of adventurers who share a passion for protecting and restoring our planet.
As a Certified B Corp™, we exist to create lasting experiences while contributing to a more responsible future through regenerative impact and conscious business practices. Building a better future also means fostering a company and community where people feel respected, valued, and included, while collectively driving positive change for both people and the planet.
We are committed to fostering a culture of fairness, belonging, and opportunity across every part of our business, from the way we work together internally, to how we design our products, communicate with customers, and engage with the wider outdoor community.
By building diverse and inclusive practices into the way we operate, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels they belong. We believe the outdoors should be a place where everyone feels welcome, inspired, and able to belong.
Within our team, this means building a workplace culture where people feel respected, supported, and empowered to bring different perspectives and experiences to the table.
For our customers, it means creating products, storytelling, and experiences that are thoughtful, accessible, and reflective of the broad and diverse community connected through the outdoors.
For our partners and wider community, it means operating responsibly, promoting fairness throughout our supply chain, and supporting initiatives that positively contribute to both people and the planet.
We know this is an ongoing process, and we do not expect to get everything perfect immediately. We are committed to listening, learning, improving, and holding ourselves accountable as we continue to grow.
Leadership at Cortazu is committed to upholding these values and ensuring they remain embedded in the way we operate, collaborate, communicate, and grow as a company.
Get Out There. For The Better.
4. Fair Working Conditions.
Cortazu is committed to providing fair, safe, and respectful working conditions throughout our business and supply chain. We expect these principles to be upheld by our employees, suppliers, and business partners.
We are committed to:
No Forced Labour: We prohibit all forms of forced, bonded, trafficked, or involuntary labour. Workers must be free to leave their employment after reasonable notice and must not be required to surrender identity documents, deposits, or wages as a condition of employment.
No Child Labour: We do not tolerate child labour in any part of our operations or supply chain. Suppliers must comply with applicable minimum working age laws and international labour standards.
Fair Wages: Workers should be compensated fairly and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. We expect wages and benefits to meet at least legal minimum requirements and to be paid accurately and on time.
Working Hours: Working hours, overtime, rest periods, and leave entitlements must comply with applicable laws and industry standards. Excessive working hours should be avoided.
Freedom of Association: We respect workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining in accordance with local laws. Where these rights are restricted by law, suppliers should support alternative means for workers to raise concerns and engage in dialogue.
Health & Safety: We expect workplaces to provide safe and healthy working conditions. Suppliers should identify and manage workplace risks, provide appropriate training, and maintain systems designed to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses.
5. Responsible Sourcing & Supplier Expectations.
Cortazu seeks to work with suppliers and business partners that share our commitment to responsible business practices, human rights, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
We expect suppliers to:
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Respect internationally recognized human rights and labour standards.
- Prohibit forced labour, child labour, discrimination, harassment, and unsafe working conditions.
- Operate with integrity and maintain ethical business practices.
- Manage environmental impacts responsibly and seek opportunities for improvement.
- Provide transparency regarding production locations and relevant supply chain information when requested.
Continuous Improvement: We recognize that responsible sourcing is an ongoing process. We encourage suppliers to identify risks, implement corrective actions where necessary, and continuously improve their social and environmental performance.
Assessment, Audit & Remediation: Cortazu may assess supplier performance through self-assessments, certifications, documentation reviews, direct engagement, or third-party audits where appropriate.
Where issues are identified, we seek to work collaboratively with suppliers to understand root causes, implement corrective actions, and monitor progress. Where significant violations remain unresolved or suppliers demonstrate unwillingness to improve, Cortazu reserves the right to reconsider or terminate the business relationship.
6. Governance & Responsible Lobbying.
Cortazu does not engage in lobbying activities or make political contributions to influence legislation or public policy.
Where Cortazu participates in industry discussions, collaborations, or sustainability initiatives, this is done transparently and in alignment with the company’s mission to promote responsible business practices and positive environmental and social impact.
7. Animal Welfare
Cortazu recognizes the importance of animal welfare as part of responsible sourcing and sustainable business practices.
At present, Cortazu does not knowingly source animal-derived materials that require animal welfare oversight. However, should animal-derived materials be incorporated into our products in the future, we are committed to ensuring that they are sourced responsibly and with consideration for animal welfare.
Where animal-derived materials are used, we will seek to:
- Source materials from suppliers that comply with applicable animal welfare laws and regulations.
- Prioritize recognized animal welfare standards and certifications where appropriate and available.
- Avoid sourcing materials from animals subjected to unnecessary harm, cruelty, or inhumane treatment.
- Engage with suppliers to promote transparency and responsible animal welfare practices throughout the supply chain.
- Review and monitor animal welfare considerations as part of our supplier due diligence and sourcing processes.
As our product range and supply chain evolve, we will continue to assess animal welfare risks and opportunities for improvement and update our sourcing practices accordingly.
8. Speak Up & Grievance Procedure.
A grievance will be accepted when it relates to a potential violation of Cortazu's policies, human rights standards, environmental commitments, ethical conduct, health and safety, or fair treatment of workers, suppliers, customers, or community members. Concerns must relate to Cortazu's own operations, sourcing practices, or business relationships.
Upon receiving a concern, Cortazu will:
- Acknowledge receipt within 5 business days
- Assess whether the concern qualifies as a grievance within 10 business days
- Conduct an investigation and consult relevant parties within 30 business days
- Communicate the outcome and any corrective actions taken within 45 business days of receipt
In cases of complexity, the complainant will be informed of any delays and a revised timeline provided.
Cortazu will designate a responsible person to manage each grievance. Where relevant, an internal review panel may be convened. Corrective actions may include process changes, supplier engagement, or policy updates. The complainant will be informed of the resolution and any measures taken.
Cortazu will keep the complainant informed at each stage of the process, including acknowledgement, investigation status, and final outcome. If a concern is not accepted as a grievance, Cortazu will explain the reasons in writing within 10 business days.
Concerns can be reported through:
- Email: support@cortazu.com
- Direct communication with a member of the Cortazu leadership team
9. Oversight & Continuous Improvement.
Cortazu reviews its responsible business commitments at least annually as part of its broader sustainability and B Corp governance processes. This review may include human rights risks, supplier performance, business ethics considerations, environmental commitments, and stakeholder feedback. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, Cortazu will seek to implement appropriate actions and update policies and practices as necessary.
Overall accountability for this policy rests with the founder(s), who are responsible for ensuring that responsible business considerations remain integrated into company decision-making and long-term strategy.
Contact
Email: support@cortazu.com for questions and concerns regarding this policy.
