Patagonia uses recycled soda bottles to make clothing
There comes a time for every successful business to take a moment and look back at where they came from and determine where they want to move forward. While it takes a lot of work to get a business up and running, once you find the key to success, the next question is, how will we sustain, how will we contribute to our community and what legacy can we leave? For some businesses, this means expanding their current services or relocating their business to a more tax friendly or community friendly location. For some this means rebranding their company and for others it could mean redefining their core values and creating a culture in which those values are not only emphasized but carried out. Some call this corporate social responsibility. For outdoor outfitter, Patagonia, environmental and corporate responsibility is not just a pillar of success, but the only way to do business.
Not only does the world renowned outfitter, popular among rock climbers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, promote a recreation oriented lifestyle, their products and company policies are structured in such a way to not only tout the outdoors, but to preserve that which is their favorite playground.
In 1993, Patagonia began making recycled polyester from plastic soda bottles in 1993–the first outdoor clothing manufacturer to transform trash into fleece. Today, they not only use recycled soda bottles to produce their durable outdoor clothing, but also organic and reclaimed cottons, recycled nylon, reclaimed wool, undyed cashmere and Patagonia is a fair trade certified business. Additionally, Patagonia encourages its customers to recycle their clothing back to the company where the material will be reused to create new clothes. Patagonia offers recycled polyester in a lot more garments, including Capilene base layers, shell jackets, board shorts and fleece.
Patagonia uses recycled polyester in an effort to lessen their dependence on petroleum as a source of raw materials. It curbs discards which stay out of landfills and reduces toxic emissions from incinerators. Using recycled materials helps promote new recycling streams for polyester clothing that is no longer wearable. This practice also produces less air, water and soil contamination compared to using no recycled polyester.
How to Recycle Patagonia Garments - Patagonia accepts all of their previously used products back for recycling. The process is quick and easy! In addition to recycling, Patagonia encourages you to pass on your wearable used garments to someone else. Patagonia products that have reached the end of their useful life may be sent back to Patagonia to be recycled or repurposed. Simply wash the items first and use one of the following collection methods:
Mail them to:
Patagonia Service Center
8550 White Fir Street
Reno, NV 89523-8939
Drop them off at the Patagonia Retail Store nearest you or at a participating Patagonia dealer – ideally, while you're running other errands, to reduce environmental impact.
Please note: Recycling your old clothes is voluntary. If you choose to recycle, you'll gain the satisfaction of knowing that your old Patagonia clothing will not end up in a landfill or an incinerator.
Millennium Waste encourages you to upcycle or recycle your clothing whenever possible in an effort to live a more earth friendly and environmentally conscience life.
Last Modified: