Sustainability in Tactical Gear
What’s the carbon footprint of your next op?
DEFENCETACTICALPARTNERSHIPUSER TRAILS
Mark de Barra
4/20/20261 min read
In defence, performance will always come first.
But sustainability is no longer optional especially in procurement.
We’re seeing a shift across NATO and allied forces:
🌍 Pressure to meet ESG targets
♻️ Requirements for recyclability and lower-impact materials
📦 Procurement policies prioritising lifecycle and transport emissions
Here’s the hard truth:
Tactical doesn’t mean exempt.
And yes, it’s entirely possible to engineer rugged, high-performance kit and reduce the ecological burden.
In my previous role, we embedded sustainability into the design of rescue and SOF systems not just in the materials used, but:
➡️ More efficient packaging
➡️ Multi-role modularity (less duplication)
➡️ End-of-life recovery programs
It’s time for our sector to lead.
Because the environments we protect should matter as much as the missions we serve in them.
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