What if I told you that it’s possible to enjoy high-quality outdoor clothing while also being environmentally responsible? You might think that sounds too good to be true, but one company has been leading the way in sustainable supply chain management for decades: Patagonia.

Sourcing and Reducing Waste

Patagonia is a California-based outdoor clothing brand that is not only committed to producing high-quality products but also doing so in an environmentally responsible way. It has been a leader in sustainable supply chain management since the 1990s, when the company became one of the first to use recycled polyester in its clothing (Check how Patagonia in recycling plastic bottles into fiber). Today, Patagonia continues to push the envelope when it comes to sustainable practices in its supply chain.

One of the ways Patagonia is working to create a more sustainable supply chain is by using sustainable materials in its products (Learn more about Patagonia’s actions toward sustainability) The company is committed to sourcing sustainable fibers and materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, and reducing waste in its production process. Patagonia also works to ensure that its suppliers meet strict environmental and social standards, ensuring that the materials used in its products are ethically and sustainably sourced.

Programs for Impact: Repair, Reuse, and Recycle

In addition to sourcing sustainable materials, Patagonia has implemented several programs to reduce its environmental impact. For example, the company operates a program called “Worn Wear” (Check it here) which encourages customers to repair and reuse their clothing rather than throwing it away. Patagonia also operates several recycling programs, including a program to recycle old Patagonia products and a program to recycle plastic bottles into polyester fibers used in Patagonia clothing.

Renewable Energy and Supplier Support

Patagonia is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy sources. The company has installed solar panels on its buildings, and its Ventura headquarters is powered by 100% renewable energy. Patagonia also encourages its suppliers to use renewable energy and has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2025.

We are committed to doing better, moving towards 100% renewable and recycled raw materials by 2025 and increasing the number of Fair Trade certified sewn products across the entire line.

(Quote from Lombard Odier)

In 2017, Patagonia even sued the Trump administration over its decision to reduce the size of two national monuments, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, arguing that the decision was illegal and would harm the environment. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but Patagonia’s bold stance on the issue earned the company widespread recognition and respect.

A Moral Obligation to Save the Planet

In conclusion, I would like to share Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s quote, that is indeed very inspiring and aligned with the company’s vision: “Who are businesses really responsible to? Their customers? Shareholders? Employees? We would argue that it’s none of the above. Fundamentally, businesses are responsible to their resource base. Without a healthy environment, there are no shareholders, no employees, no customers, and no business.”

Yvon Chouinard. (n.d.). AZQuotes.com. Retrieved March 07, 2023, from AZQuotes.com Web site: https://www.azquotes.com/quote/750460