Brand
Our approach to protecting the earth
Our path to net zero
All manufacturing and distribution causes harm to the earth. How then can a company
be “sustainable,” and does that word still have meaning? When it comes to clothing, we believe that over-consumerism, disposable products, and waste cause the greatest harm. It doesn’t matter if you buy a biodegradable jacket if—due to function, quality, or aesthetics—you buy a new one every year. Through the longevity of design, function, construction, care, and desirability, our products reduce the need for long-term consumption whether bought new or second-hand.
It is only through our holistic approach to circularity that we can minimize harm, mitigate our impact, and make a net positive impact on the world.
We also accept that there is no perfect solution. In all responsible decision-making, there are trade-offs. We are actively committed to making incremental steps to reduce our impact while transparently sharing our journey with consumers and the industry.
Read more about our path to net zero in our Impact Report.
Design Philosophy
Our commitment is to create high-quality products for versatile use, which last through the most challenging conditions.
In Iceland, everyone has an úlpa - a single jacket, that whatever the weather - you are ready for anything. We want to take the concept of úlpa to the world and encourage a reevaluation of the role of clothes - replacing endless consumption with fewer garments that work harder for longer.
Your úlpa - Functional, multi-purpose design
Multi-purpose products, designed for a variety of uses, enable a wide range of activities while reducing the need to buy more. We don’t want you to have a closet filled with single-purpose shells, insulation layers, or jackets. Whether it’s 3-in-1 jackets like Tvioddi, or multi-sport shells like Snaefell which are suitable for cycling, skiing, hiking, kayaking, or other outdoor activity.
We make garments that last and our commitment is to never compromise on fabrics that are not durable.
Production
Responsible Growth Planning
For most clothing brands and retailers, overproduction is a business strategy that fuels Black Friday events, holiday markdowns, outlet sales, and a whole ecosystem of overstock and discount chains: all of it multiplying the carbon footprint and perceived disposability of products. It creates the slightest financial gain at a steep environmental cost. Most companies plan to sell less than half of their products at full price.
We see things differently at 66˚North. We aim to produce no more than what our customer needs, we don't participate in Black Friday or other over-consumption-driven holidays, and we plan to sell over 90% of our product at full-price. What’s left over fills our Icelandic outlet store, or is donated to a charity partner. Nothing is ever destroyed or wasted.
Case studies
Upcycling and zero waste
When possible we up-cycle what we have, just as Icelanders have been doing for generations.
Our Vik gloves come from leftover cuttings of Power Stretch fabric; Kria jackets are sewn from leftover Neoshell from last season’s Snaefell; our backpacks come from the fabric used for fishermen’s bibs, and so on. We also produce small capsules seasonally such as with our Logn sweatshirt project or the Sölvhóll bum bags, made from leftover shearling.
What we use
Materials
We are actively expanding our use of recycled, upcycled, biodegradable, or organic natural fibers. When considering new materials - function, necessity, and longevity come first. We would rather make a garment that lasts for a decade rather than one which is slightly more “sustainable” in the short term but has material that will break down and lead to waste after two or three years.
Similarly, when it comes to animal by-products such as fur, we do not take this choice lightly. A jacket like Jökla is designed for outdoor professionals in Arctic conditions.
Unlike faux fur, a fur collar will prevent frostbite in subzero conditions, last longer, won’t shed microfibers, and will make the parka more useful for a longer time—improving longevity through function and protection, thereby reducing waste in the long run.
We work with respected fabric and accessories suppliers. Our goal is to source and use
as much we can of materials that are certified and traceable to the highest standard.Our commitment is to only work with suppliers that deliver outstanding quality.We are always trying to lower our environmental footprint without compromising on durability and quality.
Recycled and biodegradable materials are an exciting solution that we plan to use further in our lines. For our premium clothing line, it is our goal to source material locally such as Icelandic eiderdown and Icelandic shearling.
Our ambition is to be fully transparent with all our raw materials and provide clear information on the industry standard they meet as well as the origins of those materials.
Services
From our repair service in Iceland, 66˚North will repair any product we’ve ever made, whether it’s from a few seasons ago or anytime last century. This has been our promise to customers since Hans Kristjansson launched the company in 1926 from Suðureyri in the Westfjords of Iceland. When your customers are your friends, family, and neighbors, and their lives are at stake, it’s only natural.
66˚North also guarantees that it will take back any product at any time and ensure its recycling, or donation—whether done by ourselves or with the help of partners such as Red Cross.
Caring for your products
If well taken care of, then this can be an excellent and reliable article of clothing that can last for years. To maximize the wearability and maintain the characteristics of the garment we recommend following these washing instructions.
Repairs
In the 66°North repair shop we fix the inevitable wears and tears of used products. We stock an archive of fabrics, buttons and zippers and will not only mend your garment but also do our very best to make it look as fresh as the day it bought.
People & Places
Our people are what make 66°North
We know that great employees are companies most valuable resource. We believe in giving talented people of all ages career opportunities and we recognize the importance of providing them with desirable working environment that they can be proud of and enables them to develop and be healthy.
Our employees active participation in shaping the company’s future is extremely valuable. The company holds an annual event where all employees come together, brainstorm and discuss as a team about how we can succeed further as a workplace and as a company. The results from these meetings have then been utilized in formulating some of our most important strategies, including our sustainability strategy.
Equal Rights Program 2025–2028
The objective of Sjóklæðagerðin’s Equal Rights Program is to establish and maintain equality and equal opportunities for all employees. The program aims to ensure gender pay equality and equal terms of employment, as well as equal opportunities for professional growth. It outlines specific goals and action plans to achieve these objectives and applies to all employees at Sjóklæðagerðin.
Second-hand market
Over 8% of the Icelandic population takes part in the purchase of second (or third, or fourth) hand 66˚North clothing. You can buy used 66˚North products through a dedicated Facebook group.