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Patagonia

The Common Threads program provides an opportunity for customers to help reduce Patagonia’s energy and emissions profile. And the common threads are also ties that bind, extending and deepening the relationship between producer and consumer, and reinforcing Patagonia’s brand position.

Recycling Program connects with customers

Patagonia is renowned as one of the most environmentally-aware global companies. It’s mission is to “build the best product, do no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.
The 2005 launch of the Common Threads Garment Recycling Program was another example of Patagonia’s commitment. Since the beginning of 2007 customers have been able to return any Polartec fleece garments (including those form rival companies), Patagonia fleece, Patagonia cotton tees and Capilene base layers to Patagonia, via mail or at their retail stores nationwide. By Spring 2009, Patagonia expect that thirty eight percent of its garments will be recyclable. Eighty percent of the clothing in its Fall 2009 collection will be recyclable.
Patagonia’s research shows that the environmental impact of using worn-out fleece and polyester garments to make new fiber is significantly lower than making that same fiber from virgin materials. The result has been energy savings of seventy six percent and CO2 emissions reduction of seventy one percent.
Patagonia’s disarmingly open about the challenges they face to make this process bigger, cleaner and more eco-effective. However, by providing a service beyond the original purchase, Patagonia is extending its sustainability reputation and relationship with its customers by making fans of Patagonia products part of the solution.

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