Patagonia

Patagonia has set a high standard for using eco-friendly materials, working toward a goal where 99% of their styles incorporate some amount of “preferred” material by 2024. These materials include organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled nylon, hemp, and TENCEL™ lyocell, each chosen for their reduced environmental impact compared to conventional alternatives. For example, Patagonia switched to 100% organic cotton as early as 1996, primarily to avoid the environmental impact of pesticides and intensive water use associated with conventional cotton. Since then, Patagonia has increased its use of regenerative organic cotton, which promotes soil health and biodiversity in farming practices.

For synthetics, Patagonia is a significant player in using recycled polyester and nylon, aiming to lessen the impact of fossil fuel-based materials. Although recycled polyester still sheds microplastics, the company encourages customers to wash synthetic items in Guppyfriend bags, which catch microplastics, and offers resources to educate on microplastic pollution​.

Patagonia’s carbon footprint strategy centers around achieving carbon neutrality by 2025. This is an ambitious goal, given that the brand reports that 85% of their annual emissions stem from raw material production and manufacturing. They address this through a combination of renewable energy sourcing, especially in their owned stores and factories, and through partnerships aimed at decarbonizing transportation and logistics.

One of Patagonia’s hallmark sustainability initiatives is its Worn Wear program, which promotes the repair, resale, and recycling of Patagonia items. Customers can send in used gear, which Patagonia will repair or resell, extending the product’s lifecycle and reducing waste. This aligns with their overall goal to foster a circular economy in the apparel industry and reduce the fashion industry’s dependence on linear “take-make-waste” systems​.

Patagonia is also pioneering the shift toward regenerative agriculture, investing in farms that restore soil health and encourage biodiversity, which directly impacts carbon sequestration and land resilience. The Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC), for example, is used in their cotton sourcing.

Patagonia’s textile processing incorporates Bluesign® certifications, which mandate safe water use and restricted chemical inputs. Additionally, Patagonia continues to explore water-efficient options within its production chain, particularly in water-scarce regions, though details about quantitative water savings in specific facilities could further validate their commitment.