Patagonia is a well know outdoor clothing manufacturer, who uses a substantial
amount of plastic containing polyester and nylon in their products. I choose them
because my family and I are in the White Mountains of NH this week and it is cold!
I am grateful for solid gear and wanted to know more about the products we're
purchasing.
Mass distribution of plastic containing product is bad news for the planet because
they don’t break down and often end up pollution in our earth and oceans. Even so,
Patagonia scores 151.4 by B Labs and made the “Best for the World” list in
environment as well as community in 2021. One of their main focuses is on
products that last, are repairable and can be reused or recycled. That means that
while designing new articles of clothing Patagonia is also considering what will
happen when it is outgrown, becomes damaged, or is ready to be discarded. They
build in solutions to ensure each product is destine for a first, second, and third life.
The sustainability initiatives focused on reducing their plastic problem include
trade-in and resale program for their products, research and development on using
recycled materials (soda bottles), and the goal to only
use recycled materials in
production by 2025. Other sustainability practices Patagonia engages in are:
Product guarantees, “Because we know prioritizing durability results in consuming
less energy, wasting less water and creating less trash” (Patagonia, 2022).
Supply Chain Transparency. “Everything we make has an impact on people and the
planet. Learn more about our environmental and social responsibility program”
(Patagonia 2022).
Longevity of their product, “Buy used, trade in and fix your gear through Worn
Wear” (Patagonia, 2022).
Taxing themselves, “We’ve pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration
of the natural environment” (Patagonia 2022).
With operations in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Korea (Republic of),
Netherlands and the U.S., coupled with over 1500 employees, supply chain
management is a tall order for Patagonia. “Supply chains today extend around the
world and are vulnerable to natural disasters and civil conflict” (Whelen, 2017). In
addition to risks associated with environmental factors, research and developing
reusable materials that still yield a high and desirable quality eats up a lot of cost.
The work Patagonia is doing is important and worthwhile. Climate change can
create disruptions in the supply chain through things like wildfire and water
scarcity. By committing to sustainability Patagonia is investing in the safety of their
own future. The development and implementation of manufacturing high quality
products completely out of recycled materials will lead the way for other
companies, creating jobs as well as saving the planet.
References
Patagonia Works. Certified B Corporation - B Lab Global. (2001, December).
Retrieved January 19, 2022, from https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-
corp/company/patagonia-inc
PatagoniaWe’re in business to save our home planet. (2021, November 18). What
we're doing about our plastic problem. Patagonia. Retrieved January 19, 2022,
from https://www.patagonia.com/stories/what-were-doing-about-our-plastic-
problem/story-72799.html
Whelan, T., & Fink, C. (2017, June 1). The comprehensive business case for
Sustainability. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved January 19, 2022,
