Sustainability at Navico

With sustainability a “key part of the company’s global strategy,” Navico announced it is transitioning to 100 percent recyclable and sustainable packaging for new products.

Also, Navico — which comprises the Lowrance, Simrad, B&G and C-MAP brands — in February hired Tara Norton as its first chief sustainability officer.

“Sustainability is one of Navico’s core pillars,” CEO Knut Frostad said in a statement. “We are pleased to have made some initial strides with our sustainable packaging initiative over the past year, and we know there is a lot of work ahead of us, as well.”

Plastic clamshells were replaced with cardboard and paper, and Mushroom packaging — a compostable molded material derived from hemp and mycelium — was substituted for Styrofoam. Navico also will use biodegradable Hydropol bags rather than plastic bags.

Conservation-minded retailers applauded Navico’ efforts, including Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris.

“We’re proud to be working with Lowrance and its partner brands B&G and Simrad,” Morris said. “They’ve taken a great first step in the past year by redesigning and reinventing their packaging to feature materials and designs that are more sustainable and earth-friendly. Taking actions that ensure clean waters for generations to come should be a driving focus for us all.”