Patagonia
Our Rating: 4 Stars - Good
Price: $ $ $ $
Country of origin: United States
Official brand website: Visit
Patagonia is a brand that focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility. In fact, our “Planet” rating for Patagonia is “Good,” which evaluates brands based on their environmental policies in their supply chains. Patagonia uses a high proportion of lower-impact materials, including recycled materials, which helps reduce the chemicals, water, and wastewater in their supply chain.
One of the impressive initiatives by Patagonia is their clothing recycling program. They offer clothing recycling to consumers, which helps address the issue of textile waste at the end of life. This demonstrates their commitment to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
In addition to using recycled materials, Patagonia also uses a medium proportion of bluesign certified fabrics. This certification ensures that the fabrics used in their products meet strict environmental and safety standards throughout the manufacturing process.
When it comes to workers’ rights, Patagonia also scores well. Our “People” rating for Patagonia is also “Good.” Patagonia’s social auditing program, which covers the entire final production stage, is accredited by the Fair Labor Association (FLA). This accreditation ensures that workers’ rights are protected, and fair labor practices are in place.
Although Patagonia received a score of 41-50% in the 2022 Fashion Transparency Index, indicating room for improvement, they have taken steps to protect workers during challenging times. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Patagonia implemented policies to safeguard workers in their supply chain.
However, there is no evidence that Patagonia supports diversity and inclusion in its supply chain. This is an area that they could focus on to further enhance their “People” rating.
When it comes to animals, Patagonia also performs well. Our “Animals” rating for Patagonia is “Good.” They have a formal policy aligned with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare, showcasing their commitment to treating animals ethically. Patagonia also traces most animal-derived materials to the first production stage, ensuring transparency and accountability.
While Patagonia does use some leather and recycled exotic animal hair, they do not use fur, angora, or exotic animal skin. They also use recycled wool in some of their wool products, further reducing the demand for new materials.
Based on all publicly available information we have reviewed, we rate Patagonia “Good” overall. Their dedication to using low-impact materials, promoting workers’ rights, and treating animals ethically is commendable. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in supporting diversity and inclusion in their supply chain and increasing transparency.
