Patagonia – a service of friendship to the world
Yvon Chouinard is a pioneer among big wall climbers and an unwavering nature lover. A role model, an idealist, someone who wanted to improve the world. With Patagonia, he has made a company big that has harmonized environmental awareness and business success.
From the beginning, the American ran his company unconventionally, always striving to produce excellent, authentic quality for people who would use his products properly for many years. Patagonia wanted to be a role model for its customers and other companies, inspiring and motivating them to change the system - with success.
A business philosophy that demands sustainability in all areas
The company is known for having thought early on about counteracting environmental pollution, exploiting workers, and avoiding waste. Recycling was an important goal from the beginning, and Patagonia was the first outdoor company to develop the idea of making fleece fabrics from plastic waste. Today, almost all products are made from preferred materials, and more than half of the fabrics are made from recycled materials. All new cotton used is organically grown, which saves water and reduces CO2 emissions. All new data used by Patagonia are fully traceable. Almost all materials are made with water-repellent chemicals without PFAS or PFCs. This list could go on and on, but the fact is that Patagonia is doing a lot to make a difference.
What products characterize Patagonia?
Patagonia is characterized not only by its love of nature but also by its high standards of technology, quality, and in-depth knowledge of what customers want. Popular Patagonia classics include mountain sports and hiking jackets like the Granite Crest jacket and waterproof pants. The lifestyle fleece pullovers from Patagonia are also classics, as are the base layers from the Capilene Cool series, which are suitable for an extremely wide range of uses.
The warm insulating jackets for skiing and mountain sports, such as the warm Sweater Down Hoodie jacket, are made from recycled fishing nets, and the down is certified. The company has its roots in climbing sports, and here, too, you can benefit from robust climbing pants, such as the Rock Caliza pants. Patagonia also has popular classics for ski touring, running, yoga, and fitness with a certain style and reliable performance.
Co2 footprint & supply chains with high transparency
As a global company, Patagonia has a global carbon footprint. The company publishes this ecological footprint and its entire supply chain so that you, as a customer, can understand where the clothing you buy is produced. Patagonia is also committed to fair wages and good working conditions, monitored locally and traceable to the customer.
The Patagonia Purpose Trust – a business model to save the planet
Patagonia looks back on 50 years of company history and responsible business practices while looking forward to a future that lies ahead for the company and the planet.
In 2022, Patagonia's path to the future was decisively paved when it was decided that Patagonia would henceforth be owned by the Holdfast Collective and the Patagonia Purpose Trust. The Holdfast Collective is a social charity that uses the money it raises to tackle the environmental and climate crisis, protect nature and biodiversity, and support communities working to protect the environment. The Patagonia Purpose Trust, on the other hand, ensures that the company adheres to its values.
Patagonia is not a non-profit organization but a for-profit company and sees itself as a role model for the business world. Patagonia wants to continue to prove that environmental and social values and business profits can go hand in hand. In the future, Patagonia would like to donate 1% of its turnover each year to non-profit organizations committed to environmental protection. The Patagonia Purpose Trust also ensures that this is implemented.
In short
- Patagonia was founded in 1973 in California by Yvon Chouinard, originally with climbing equipment. Later, equipment for activities such as surfing, hiking, trail running, and skiing was added
- Patagonia has invented many clothing technologies that are taken for granted today, e.g., fleece made from recycled plastic bottles, the use of organic cotton
- Since 1985, Patagonia has donated at least 1% of its sales to the protection and preservation of the environment
- 1999 (Founding) member of the Fair Labor Association, which commits itself and other textile companies to responsible labor practices
- Patagonia uses up to 90% natural, recycled, pollutant-free materials and participates in various programs to promote environmental responsibility (e.g., Fairtrade, Responsible Down Standard, traceability of materials, bluesign, etc.)
- The "Worn Wear Program" arose from the desire to produce high-quality products that last a long time. Patagonia offers repairs, provides do-it-yourself instructions, and takes back clothing for recycling
- 2022: 100% of the company's voting shares go to the Patagonia Purpose Trust, which is committed to protecting Patagonia's corporate values