Forget the stereotypical image of a Creative Director. Henry West, the mastermind behind VonZipper’s design vision, isn’t just about crafting cutting-edge snow gear sported by the best in the industry such as Halldor Helgason. He’s a sustainability champion quietly leading a revolution within the extreme sports industry.
West’s commitment to the environment is evident in his impressive track record. When he arrived at VonZipper, only 4 out of 92 snow goggles in the collection used sustainable materials. He increased this by 250% in his second year integrating sustainable materials such as hemp and bamboo. A game changing accomplishment, yet West wasn’t satisfied with such a limited impact.
A Sustainability Milestone: West’s most significant achievement for VonZipper came in his third year. In a remarkable shift, a staggering 43 out of 94 snow goggles in the collection incorporated sustainable materials. This wasn’t just a one-off product line; it represented a true turning point for VonZipper, demonstrating the large-scale integration of sustainability into their core business. Since the core chosen colours were made from sustainable materials, West magnified the actual manufacturing numbers closer to three quarters of the goggles integrating sustainable materials as these black and white goggles are more popular for the masses.
West’s leadership extends far beyond design. He directly oversees the entire creative department, ensuring every aspect of a product, from initial concept to final execution, adheres to sustainable principles. But his influence doesn’t stop there. He actively leads the marketing and production teams, fostering a company-wide culture of eco-consciousness. This holistic approach ensures an unwavering commitment to sustainability across all aspects of VonZipper’s operations.
Thankfully, this dedication to the environment hasn’t come at the expense of performance. West’s team meticulously designs and develops the entire product range, with functionality remaining paramount. Their goggles continue to be a favorite among the biggest names in snowboarding, riders who push the boundaries of the sport and demand the highest levels of performance.
The results speak for themselves. West’s sustainable vision hasn’t compromised sales; in fact, they’ve increased each year. This success story demonstrates that sustainability and performance can go hand-in-hand.
West’s influence isn’t confined to VonZipper. His work sends a powerful message to the entire extreme sports industry, resonating with environmentally conscious consumers and inspiring other brands to embrace sustainable practices.
Here’s what makes West’s approach truly groundbreaking:
- Leading by Example: West doesn’t just advocate for sustainability; he actively drives it through design, development, marketing, and production.
- Building a Sustainable Culture: His influence permeates the entire company, fostering a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Performance with Purpose: West proves that eco-friendly materials can deliver the performance demanded by top athletes.
- Growing the Movement: By achieving success with a sustainable approach, West inspires other brands to follow suit.
Award-Winning Advocacy: West’s passion for sustainability extends beyond extreme sports. He’s directed impactful campaigns that have garnered international awards for generating awareness around plastic pollution. These campaigns showcase his ability to leverage his creative vision for a greater cause, inspiring action and positive change within the extreme sports community and beyond.
Henry West isn’t just a Creative Director; he’s a visionary leader. He’s redefining what it means to be a successful brand in the extreme sports industry, proving that sustainability and high performance can not only coexist, but thrive together. His work paves the way for a more responsible future for snowboarding and beyond.