Eco-minded Coalatree attends ISPO Munich with help from SBA STEP Grant
The great outdoors are a source of adventure and inspiration for people around the world. For Utah’s Coalatree, it's also a source of innovation. With their commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing, Coalatree is proving that small businesses can make a big impact on the world — and they're just getting started.
Founded to create sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor apparel and accessories, Coalatree uses unique materials such as coffee grounds, recycled plastic bottles, and hemp to create products that are both functional and environmentally responsible.
Coalatree started as a self-sustaining organic farm in Colorado, integrating sustainable practices into their quality products from day one. The birth of their own workwear line in 2010 began in Utah though. As they’ve expanded internationally, they continue to honor their roots, maintaining their mission to create innovative products for a sustainable future and inspire their own customers to make more conscious choices in their everyday lives as well.
“Since moving to Utah in 2015, WTC Utah has been there every step of the way helping Coalatree remain committed to our goal of creating versatile apparel and accessories made from sustainable materials,” shared president and COO JM Fabrizi.
“WTC team has significantly contributed to the growth of our brand through opportunities such as STEP grant funding, especially as it pertains to international expansion.”
Coalatree is committed to finding new and innovative ways to reduce waste and environmental impact, while still creating high-quality products that customers love. In addition to supporting local communities and promoting ethical manufacturing practices, their products are made in factories that meet high standards for worker safety, fair wages, and environmental responsibility. Since incorporating coffee technology into their products, they have saved approximately 140,000 plastic bottles and 82,000+ cups of coffee grounds from landfills.
Coalatree's commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing is evident in all of their products, from their best-selling Trailhead Pants made using a closed-loop dye method that reduces energy and saves 20 gallons of clean water waste per pound of fabric produced, to their lightweight, packable travel hammocks made with recycled parachute nylon.
In 2022, the company had the opportunity to exhibit at the world-renowned trade show ISPO Munich 2022 with the help of WTC Utah and the SBA STEP Grant. This trade show allowed Coalatree to showcase their eco-friendly products and build meaningful relationships with international partners. Fabrizi said, “The amount of exposure we’re able to garner at a show like this is incredible. The fact that we’re able to meet face-to-face with distributors that we work with, different partners, suppliers, etc. is extremely meaningful.”
Coalatree's success at ISPO Munich showcases the potential of small businesses to make a big impact on the world. By staying true to their mission and vision, they have created a loyal following of customers in the U.S. who share their commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing. Since the company’s expansion, adventurers new and old from their newest markets in Italy, France, Switzerland and Germany are now able to join in on all the fun.
The SBA STEP Grant is administered by WTC Utah, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help accelerate the growth of Utah businesses through our global network, businesses and services. One of the many ways WTC Utah accomplishes this mission is by helping small businesses build capacity for international trade. With a SBA STEP grant, Coalatree is actualizing their goal to remain sustainable and provide products for the adventurer in everyone.
To learn more about the SBA STEP Grant opportunities and how WTC Utah can help your business grow please visit http://wtcutah.com/grants/#step-grant.
To learn more about Coalatree, visit the following resources:
https://coalatree.com/pages/about-us - About Us
https://coalatree.com/blogs/news - Detours Blog
https://coalatree.com/pages/eco - Environmental Initiatives
