About Páramo: Ethical and Eco-Friendly gear for all climates.
In 1984 Nick Brown, owner of Nikwax, disillusioned with conventional outdoor clothing, observed the way in which mammals stay dry and comfortable as their fur pumps water away faster than it can be pushed in. And so the concept of Páramo was born. Páramo is named after an area of the Andes above the tree line and below the snow. Similar to Scotland, but with less oxygen, it was here that that first fabrics were tested.
Nick found a workshop in Bogotá, Colombia in South America employing some dozen women using two machines, run by the Miquelina Foundation, led by Sister Esther Castano, which helped desperate women to learn trades and earn money. Now there is a factory making some 4000 garments every month, on 120 machines. There is a kindergarten, lessons in literacy and formal training. Most employees have a formal qualification. The factory holds the coveted ISO 9002 Standard.
Guaranteed PFC Free
Working closely with Nikwax®, Páramo has pioneered a treatment process for waterproofs, fleeces and windproofs which enables to take untreated fabrics and add Nikwax waterproofing, not reliant on fluorocarbons to repel water. Studies show that fluorocarbons of all kinds persist in the environment and are damaging to human health. Nikwax waterproofing solutions are water-based and use no harmful solvents or propellant gases, are not tested on animals, not harmful to humans, and contain no damaging fluorocarbons.
Páramo clothing does not rely on hazardous fluorocarbon (PFC) treatments for water-repellency.
In January 2016, Páramo took the significant step of signing up to the Detox commitment. As part of the Greenpeace Detox programme, this commitment lays out the basis for ensuring and demonstrating that hazardous chemicals are excluded from the production of all Páramo products. Páramo is the first Outdoor company to sign up to the Greenpeace Detox commitment.
FAIR TRADE MANUFACTURING
Páramo’s ethical manufacturing partnership with the Miquelina Foundation in Bogotá, Colombia, has offered vulnerable women training and employment since 1992. This alliance has benefited thousands of at-risk women in practical ways, helping them to build houses, and providing a kindergarten and canteen for their children. With Páramo’s support, Miquelina holds ISO 9001 accreditation, which assures dedication to quality. In 2017, after 25 years of partnership with Páramo, Miquelina attained Guaranteed Fair Trade status from the World Fair Trade Organization, which covers everything they produce, a significant achievement.
GEAR THAT LASTS
Páramo garments offer significant advantages over other manufacturers’ garments in terms of durability and longevity.
Páramo garments are designed without glues, laminates, or taped seams, allowing for needle and thread repairs but also entire panels to be replaced without compromising performance. As a result, there is no element to break down or fail over time. Instead, the waterproofing is renewable indefinitely with water-based Nikwax aftercare products. This design philosophy ensures that garments can be easily repaired and continue to function effectively for many years.
Páramo waterproofs use fabrics designed NOT to become obsolete. The unique Nikwax Analogy fabric system provides fantastic ultra-breathable and Directional performance, keeping the weather out without recourse to laminates, membranes or taped seams. As a result, there is no element to break down or fail over time. Instead, the waterproofing is renewable indefinitely with water-based Nikwax aftercare products.
Páramo waterproof garments are easily repairable and are not compromised by puncture. As a result, many of our original jackets are used daily and still performing equally well after 15+ years.
Páramo’s recycling scheme allows customers to trade in old garments for discounts on new. These garments are then refurbished and sold again or sent to our recycling partner. Paramo strategically store and reuse fabrics and components, ensuring that materials remain valuable and usable. This approach prevents fabric from becoming obsolete and helps maximise reusability.
Textile Recycling Innovations
Currently, garment manufacturers predominantly use recycled materials from the packaging industry. However, as the packaging industry moves towards closing its own supply chain loop, the textile industry will need to find alternative sources for recycled materials. Chemical recycling offers a solution by converting used textiles back into high-quality raw materials.
Collaborating with Lafayette Sports, our fabric partner over the last 25 years, Páramo has integrated chemically recycled yarns into new garments, the Halkon® 360 jacket for wildlife photographers and naturalists and the Aspira 360, an expedition smock. These products demonstrate the feasibility of a closed-loop supply chain and the potential for industry-wide adoption.